DAY 7 TEMPTRESSES - PRAY FOR YOUR HUSBAND CHALLENGE

 THE "EVIL, STRANGE AND WHORISH" WOMAN

Some women are faced with competing for their husband's attention with his other female friends, work associates etc.. Others struggle with exes and in some cases over protective,obsessive and other unhealthy relationships with his daughters, mom, church sisters, the neighbor etc..... 

Challenged by those female friends - PRAY THEM OUT!!
Don't start getting worked up now- Remember no negativity.  Just trying to raise up your consciousness to pray today's prayer.  

While we must encourage and appreciate healthy relationships our husbands have with the opposite sex, we must take a stand to safeguard his heart against the "evil, strange and whorish woman."  Let's take a look at some examples that may indicate unhealthy relationships:

• Is he spending too much time with his female friends when he should be taking care of you and the family?
• Are they consistently calling at unreasonable hours?
• Are they making unusual or other unethical demands?
• Is he overly sensitive about a particular female?
• Are some other women's opinion more important than yours?
• Does he lie about communicating with them or doing things for them?
• Is he depriving you of what  belongs to you but freely gives it to others?
• Does he spend long periods communicating with them for no important reasons?
• Does he runs to the rescue of exes or other females but feels you can wait a decade for your needs and requests?
• Does he brag about the shape, qualities etc.. of another female?
• Others......

Please don't dig up the past, but make a list of the women in his life that are currently affecting your relationship negatively.  (Not those that you are unnecessarily jealous of or you have no justified reason that they fit the categories above) Are they evil, perhaps strange or they are outright just whorish.....  Read the scriptures below and get ready to pray- not with curses or negativity, but with the scriptures.... then let them go! (Even if you are single or divorced by forced you should consider praying these prayers)

Proverbs 6:23-24, 26 (KJV)
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.

TODAY'S PRAYER - (Revive Your Heart by Nancy Leigh DeMoss)
Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

You may want to consider this question...
What responsibility of yours are you giving to your girlfriends, his mom, or his girlfriends to do that you can or should be doing yourself?  As you think about your answer see if in any way you have opened the door to temptation by your reluctance, naivety or neglect.  Pray and ask the Lord to restore your desire and strength to engage in your affairs and perfect the things that concerns you.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  GIVE NO OCCASION TO THE TEMPTRESSES

While this is not geared for you to focus on who's who in your relationship, sometimes we ignore the warning signs of the temptresses.  The reasons vary, and because of fear or repercussions we simply suffer, accept and hold on to whatever we can get out of the relationship. 

Let's look at a few of examples of the identity and characteristics of some temptresses from the bible: (note they are both single/married) 

Bathsheba: Vain and Unchaste - Lonely and Exposed
Potiphar's Wife:  Damsel in Distress - Discontent and temperamental 
Deliliah - The Schemer and Planner- Kind and sweet
Jezebel - The Evil and Wicked  One - Bitter and nasty

Even if you have a husband who is "all about you" there are snatchers out there waiting to pounce on your "good man"- especially the ones you have groomed, trimmed and encouraged to become God's best.  Scripture says that they "hunt for the precious life."  Therefore, it should be a matter of prayer regardless! The old proverbs will go good here. "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!"  Pray to guard and repel the intruders!

Remember Potiphar's wife and Bathsheba were both married women- Don't be a nag, but don't be naive.  Spend time with your husband even if it is doing something you have no interest in. Take interest in his work, hobbies and other things of interests.  

ACTIVITY: 
Do something with your husband today that he has been asking you to do for a while. Get involved with one of his activities (even if you don't like it) or ask him what special thing he would like you to do just for him today.  (Not saying this should be an excuse, but this will avoid him asking one of his female friends or his mother)

Do not give any occasion for him to cast blame on you, and pray earnestly... Romans 13:14 - (KJV)

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof

Pray also that he would be a man of the word that he will be able to be strong when temptation strikes.  

Remember, make it a point to pray the scriptures over your husbands in the areas where he is weak quickly and consistently.  Pray the desired outcome and not the problem.  Don't leave your husband expose to the "evil, strange and or whorish woman!"  Keep your eyes on your prize.  You've worked for it, you've earned it and it was given to you by God.  Trust God if you and your husband are challenged by these women.  Pray in faith that He would keep his heart pure and undivided as you enjoy the blessings of life and each other. 

Make it a "Just Do It" for your husband day! 
Please share your success stories/challenges and or leave your comments.  
All for a better relationship and an exciting life!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 6 RIGHTEOUSNESS VS WICKEDNESS - 30 DAY PRAYING FOR YOUR HUSBAND CHALLENGE

THE CULTURE THING....

Are the ways and culture of your husband, upbringing or environment affecting you?As sisters many of you were brought up differently. What was considered "the right thing" to do in your home is NO WHERE normal for your husband. Some of these cultural differences come across very negatively and can even affect you in various areas of your relationship if you let it. 

Hey, guess what?  Lighten up!  If you would be honest, some of these differences were what attracted you in the first place.  They were considered cute through the dating and courtship process.  You chuckled and giggled at his accent when he spoke, laughed when he did certain gestures and even told your girlfriends the silly "cultural" things he did that just awed you, but now they ANNOY you to the bone! 

Do I have a witness? Yes, I know but...... you may say,
He is selfish, wicked, evil, unrighteous, demanding, arrogant, spiteful, dishonest etc...

TODAY'S PRAYER - (Revive Your Heart by Nancy Leigh DeMoss)

Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

You may say, I can't pray for someone who is unwilling to let go of his cultural differences or has to have things his way-  We're different - It's his way or no way!

Who says, that there is a right or wrong way (not referring to evil or wickedness)

Regardless of the cultural differences men are different than women- Not just in their physical structure but in several ways.  The truth of the matter they were created to be different even before the culture was brought in to play. 

If you were happy before you got married did you overlook the cultural differences or chose to ignore the things that were uncomfortable? Perhaps you didn't do your research or felt that once you got married he would adapt.  By now you know you were wrong- The culture is in the DNA!

TODAY'S FOCUS: IDENTIFYING THE DIFFERENCE

We have established that the makeup of male and female are different by nature and by design.  However, you must pray that the evil and wickedness of the culture do not influence your husband.  Not just cultural differences but environment and association influences that can affect your relationship.  Let's take a look at the following scriptures to give you a better insight on the characteristics of your husband:

Proverbs 27:12(KJV)

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

• Is your husband a sensible and strong man?
• Is he a conscious individual?
• Is he an introvert or and extrovert? 
• Is he a simple person that can be easily persuaded or influenced by his surroundings? 
• Is his behavior part of his upbringing or culture (does it reflect all the men in his family or is it an adopted behavior etc..)

John 17:15 (KJV)

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

• Is your husband focus more on material things or on spiritual things?
• Do you wish or have even spoken of him not being around and that he would be out of your life when the cultural difference get overbearing or consistent?
• Does his culture indicate some kind of satanic indulgence or evil interference?
• Has evil words been spoken over his life by you or by others?
• Have you been praying about the wickedness and evil in a negative way?
• Have you proclaimed righteousness over his spirit?

ACTIVITY: 

In your journal make a three-column list of the things that are different in your culture or upbringing. You can probably write His VS Yours and then take a minute and differentiate whether it is Okay, unrighteous, evil or wicked and write it in the third column. If it's not Okay think of some constructive ways you can initiate change. 

Additionally, do something for or with your husband that represents or draws him to his culture. (cooking a dish, an outfit, do something with his family or a visit to his hometown etc... be creative) However anything that is evil or wicked in your list

use a double dose of today's prayer and or seek help!

May the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10: 12-13 encourage you.  The Message version states that many things that come into your lives are warning markers.  The scriptures also have many examples for you so you do not repeat the same mistakes others have made. 

 Use wisdom - "Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence."

Remember, pray through those difference (use the model of the prayer of Serenity and ask God for His wisdom.  

YOUR HUSBAND ACCEPTED YOUR CULTURE WHEN HE MARRIED YOU-  

"No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) 

Make it an "Appreciate His Culture Day" - Please share your success stories and or leave your comments.  All for a better relationship and an exciting life!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 5 - PRAYING FOR YOUR HUSBAND CHALLENGE

IT'S FAITHFUL FRIDAY 

Proverbs 20:6 (KJV)
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

Prayerfully the answer to that question in scripture would be you.  However, if you are one of the many women whose husband has been unfaithful to you and to the vows he made on your wedding day- There's hope!  God is a restorer of all things including your relationship.  

Before you begin today's prayer ask the Lord to reveal anything to you that may have contributed to your husband's unfaithfulness, lack of interest or desire.  I know that this should not be an excuse for anyone to be unfaithful, but prayerfully ask the Lord to show you areas where you can spice up or improve the essence of your marriage 

TODAY'S PRAYER - (Revive Your Heart by Nancy Leigh DeMoss)

Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Genesis 2:24 (KJV)

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh

As you think of the scripture.... Close your eyes - Reflect back to your wedding day inhale slowly and exhale. As you think of the events that led up to your vows, think how anxious you were to just say, I DO! 

NOW.... relax and think about the words that your husband said to you in his vows, the way he looked at you when he repeated the words you were longing to hear.... For better or worse, richer or poorer... (or whatever you said...)

Hold on to that and begin to pray and thank God for your husband's commitment to you, begin to praise God for Him being a faithful husband, honoring you and loving you as Christ does the church. 

If you have been wounded stay there and begin worshiping and thanking God that your husband's desire for you is stronger than that day you said I do.  Pray that you are the woman of choice again and stay faithful!

TODAY'S FOCUS:  MAKE A VOW

Now that you have prayed for your husband, it's time to make a vow that will begin today.  Try to forget about the "bad things" or the "not so nice things" that have happened in the past.  Forgive if you need to, get rid of reminders of unfaithfulness and any other things that have created bad memories for you and let's do this!

First let's look at the definition of the word...

Vow - 

noun 

1. 1.

   a solemn promise.

   synonyms:

   oath, pledge, promise, bond, covenant, commitment,  avowal,profession, affirmation, attestation, assurance, guarantee;

verb

1. 1.

   solemnly promise to do a specified thing.

   "he vowed that his government would not tolerate a repeat of the disorder"

   synonyms:

   swear, pledge, promise, avow, undertake, engage, make a commitment, give one's word, guarantee;  archaicplight "I vowed to do better"

2. 2.

   archaic

   dedicate to someone or something, especially a deity.

   "I vowed myself to this enterprise"

Your vows will be made on the three components of the word's definition.

• Solemn Promise - Make the covenant (write up or oral)
• Solemn Promise to do a specified thing - make a promise and commitment (how, when, where etc..)
• Archaic - Prayerfully dedicate it to your husband and to the Lord

If you feel you need to renew your marriage vows you can do so with each other.   If you are experiencing hurt seek the Lord for wisdom in how to approach the situation or contact your pastor or a good Christian counselor.  You can also contact me through email at twigsministry@gmail.com or (340) 643-8423.

 

Psalm 61:8 (KJV)

So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows

Activity:  Additionally to the renewal of your vows- Today make a vow to your husband that will excite him and refresh your relationship.  (Try not to make it all spiritual- add a little spice of  intimacy and creativity) 

Don't be surprised with the outcome, Watch Expectantly and Deliver

Remember, He who has put you together will keep you together!  Through prayers and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to Him.  Pray about and for everything.  As you pledge today, don't speak negatively to or about your husband, but affirm and confirm what God has said about your marriage. Reflect back to the day you first made your vow to God and to each other and refuse to think of him differently than a faithful husband.  See yourself as his choice everyday.  

Make it a vow honoring day - Keep your promises NO RAINCHECKS!

Please share your success stories and or leave your comments

All for a better relationship and an exciting life!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 4 - 30 DAY PRAYING FOR YOUR HUSBAND CHALLENGE

LEADERSHIP CONTROL

Are you struggling with allowing your husband to lead or control the relationship. You may have a good reason not to let go of the reins.  Perhaps he is unemployed, not focused or a good steward, have an addiction or other weaknesses/challenges that causes you to not to have confidence in his ability to lead.  You may also be challenged by his ability to provide, protect or love you the way you want.  Today's pray is for you and necessary even if your husband scores high in these areas or you are challenged.  

TODAY'S PRAYER - (Revive Your Heart by Nancy Leigh DeMoss)
Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)


Have You Been Praying or Complaining? 
Your prayer can be a complaint depending on its format. 
Here are some suggestions - Try it and watch God transform your relationship and give you the man of your dreams- the one you longed for and already have.  

• Don't complain about what he does wrong - praise what he does right
• Don't pray about your problems - pray with praise the solution
• Don't complain about what he doesn't have - praise him for his abilities/talents
• Don't pray about what he doesn't do - pray with praise on what he is able to do or achieve

TODAY'S FOCUS: THE ORDER OF THE DAY PRAYER 

Pray that your husband meets the criteria of these scriptures:
(A suggestive guide follows each verse but feel free to add with love and praise)

Ephesians 5: 25-29
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  Praise God for His love for the church and for sending Jesus to die for the church- as you do begin to praise your husband for choosing you as his wife for the sacrifices he makes to provide for you- (if he is unemployed, unable to work or just doesn't want to work thank God for any skill sets or passion he has about a specific type of work) 

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, -Pray that as Christ sanctify the church and brings you clean before Him through the word that your husband will be cleansed in his thoughts and would have an appetite for the word and seek God's leading through a right and clean spirit.

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. - Praise God that your husband is upright and holy, that he is a sanctified man of God that God's power rules and reigns in him governing his body and that his thoughts will continue to be pure and Godly.

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.   Thank God that your husband is secured in himself as a man and that he is not challenged by insecurity or self esteem issues.  Ask Him to remove anything that suggest resentment, arrogance or self condemnation of his background, how he was raised, treated from his childhood or previous relationship.   Pray that he sees you as part of himself and he appreciates you as his partner and wife. 

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: Thank God for divine health for your husband. Pray that your husband will take good care of his body, be disciplined and moderate with eating and lifestyle.  Pray also that God will give you insight on how to prepare healthy meals and encourage him to exercise, take his medicine (if needed) and develop healthy habits ie.. rest, sleeping, good hygiene etc.. 

Colossians 3:19 (KJV)

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them - Thank God for having someone to love you. Pray that God will help you to present yourself in a meek and humble manner that you will allow God spirit to speak to your husband as you pray for him. Praise God for your husbands qualities, strengths and ability to love you without regrets or comparison to others.  Pray that all memories of past hurts or regrets will be removed so he can love you sacrificially and without reservations. 

Activity:  Tell your husband over breakfast, or as he drives to work how much you value him as a provider (whether or not you work or make more money), encourage him to pursue either the education or technical training etc.. to develop a talent or pursue a career in a skill or passion.  

PLEASE TAKE NOTE .... A LITTLE ENCOURAGEMENT GOES A LONG WAY 
Don't complain - Praise  him for what he does well
BE GENEROUS WITH THE COMPLIMENTS AND AFFECTION

Remember, as you pray today's prayer take a step back from taking charge and prayerfully let go the control to your husband trusting God will allow him to fulfill his role as your provider, spiritual leader and loving husband.  Encourage him to give ideas and suggestions of things that he will like to do for the relationship.  Pray that the order designed in scripture will be effective in your lives and that He will lead with Godly wisdom and not be influenced by outside or spiritual forces.

Make it a day of praising your husband- All for a better relationship and an exciting life!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 3 - 30 DAY PRAYING FOR YOUR HUSBAND CHALLENGE

PRAY FOR HIS CLEANSING

This is not saying that you should close your eyes to sinful behavior but... 

• How do you respond when your husband has made a mistake or even sin? 
• How do you handle circumstances that causes you to doubt your husband's love for you?
• Can you respond with prayer?

Psalm 51: 2-4
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Today, we encourage you to pray for his cleansing- Ask God to wash him thoroughly from his iniquity and sin; ask God to help him to acknowledge and confess it to Him. Pray that God will allow him  to see that he has not only affected you and the family, but he has sinned against Him.  In that light you too can forgive him and release him.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  PRAY FOR HUMILITY

Micah 6:8 (KJV) -He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Many men today are challenged with arrogance and pride.  Society and the world in general has taught them to be a man that they must be tough and arrogantly macho Many take it to the extreme which causes them to lack the disciplines to overcome temptations.   

Don't leave your husband to chance or allow him to wallow in his mire or habits.  If he needs a good washing - pray for his cleansing.  Pray for his mind, prideful heart and humble spirit in a loving and non-condemning manner.  Release any record of past wrongs and any negative feelings you may harbor about him.  

Activity:  

Slip an I LOVE YOU note in his pocket, wallet, lunch bag, next to his breakfast, stick it on a fruit/snack or stick it in a visible place in his car.  If he has already left for the day, leave it on his pillow or on his side of the bed as a special evening greeting. 

The scripture above is a key component for your husband to be able to acknowledge his wrongs.  Praying for humility for him will enable him to seek God, hear His voice and to walk uprightly before Him.  It will also allow him to admit his wrongs and his sins.  That definitely requires a humble spirit.

Remember, God hears you when you pray,and requires that you too come to him with a humble spirit.  Pray these scriptures positively.  Encourage your husband to talk to God about his weaknesses.  Let him know that you are available for him to discuss and pray with him about anything that is a challenge to him.  Praise God through the process and trust Him to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that you ask of Him.  

All for a better relationship and exciting life!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 2 - 30 DAY PRAYING FOR YOUR HUSBAND CHALLENGE

BEGIN THE DAY WITH A KISS

Good Morning my Sisters!!!!

Our second day- Greet your husband while he is still asleep or up getting ready for work. As you kiss him say something sweet in his ears. Watch him smile.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A MAN OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

 © Revive Our Hearts. Used with permission. http://www.ReviveOurHearts.com Info@ReviveOurHearts.com

ENCOURAGEMENT
As you pray the scriptures over your husband, think of him being the most wisest man you know full of knowledge and understanding. Ask God to increase His wisdom and understanding. Without criticizing read a scripture to him today or tell him what you appreciate him having knowledge in- (example if he fixes your car or is an expert in fixing something around the house or even his knowledge of scripture)

Activity:  Write a thank you note for your husband about something He did in his field of expertise.  Please feel free to share in the comment section of today's blog and invite other sisters along with you on this challenge!

Remember to pray in positively with the scripture.  Pray the result of wisdom and not criticizing.  Praise what He is good at not where he lacks knowledge or understanding. 

All for better relationship and exciting life!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 1 - 30 DAY PRAYING FOR YOUR HUSBAND CHALLENGE

30 DAY CHALLENGE - PRAYING FOR AND ENCOURAGING YOUR HUSBAND

This month is Father's Day and it is said that there is much fuss around Mother's Day and anything for women.  So I am appealing to all my married sisters/friends (single sisters you should to start to bring it to pass when it happens) to take this challenge. 

This may be a little challenging for some, but you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.  

We will be using the 31 day Praying For Your Husband guide from Revive Your Hearts for our motivation and inspiration to a successful journey for a better relationship and a more exciting marriage.  

© Revive Our Hearts. Used with permission. http://www.ReviveOurHearts.com Info@ReviveOurHearts.com) 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  DAY 1 SPIRITUALITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Pet. 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Think about...

What spiritual disciplines he needs to develop? 

How can you help him without criticizing him?

What encouragement will you give?

Remember as you pray be patient don't expect overnight changes, but continue to encourage and compliment. Be an example of what you want to see without criticizing or condemning.  Spend time in study or prayer with him.  

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel