Bone of My Bones and Flesh of My Flesh

I am truly honored that you have chosen this devotional as a tool to strengthen and renew your marriage! The inspiration for this book was given to me by God to help you see your spouse through the eyes of Christ. As with most tools, this devotional can be used in many ways. I know that God will meet you and your spouse right where you are and will lead you in the way He desires for you and for this devotional. If you let Him, He will take you on a journey that will bless and enrich your relationship beyond measure.

This devotional consists of three sections: purpose, wisdom, and action.

• Purpose sets the foundation for your journey.
• Wisdom gives guidance for your journey.
• Action sets you on your way!

You will notice that certain sections share the same passages of scripture. These set the stage for the bigger picture, but you should focus your responses on the key verses noted for that particular day. Each reading concludes with the same questions:

• What do you hear God saying to you?
• What do you want to say to God?
• List one thing your spouse did yesterday that you appreciated.
• What did you do yesterday to show your spouse that you loved him or her?

The repetition is by design. It takes twenty-one days to create a habit. Serving your spouse should be a daily habit, not an occasional occurrence.

In Mark, Jesus models how to spend time with God. “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they said to Him, ‘Everyone is looking for You.’ But He said to them, ‘Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because this purpose I have come forth.’ And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.”

In the passage above, Jesus got up early in the morning, went to a quiet place, and had a conversation with God. If Jesus Christ of Nazareth—our Savior, Redeemer, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords—had to rise early and find a secluded spot to have a meaningful conversation with God, why do we think a two-minute chat while we are driving to the office or on the crowded subway will suffice for us? We know that Jesus had a conversation with God because when He is found by Simon, He tells Simon the mission that God gave Him—(Mark 1:35-39). Your prayer life should not be a monologue; it should be a dialogue. When you approach the Father in a solitary place, He meets you there and speaks purpose into your life. That’s why this book exists: it was the purpose God birthed within me during our conversations in that solitary place.

We all have busy schedules. There don’t seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish all we need to, but I pray that you will take the time to set the clock just a little earlier in the mornings so you can converse with God in stillness. Not only will it be a more conducive platform to complete the lessons in this devotional; it will also change the mood and flow of your day.

Will this devotional show you how to have a perfect marriage? No. You are not perfect, and neither is your spouse. Two imperfect people can’t create perfection, but they can create promise, passion, and purpose. You each can promise to be passionate and purposeful toward each other for as long as you both shall live—the same principles you spoke to each other on your wedding day. Your vows (i.e., your promise) were to love and cherish (to show affection and care) each other in sickness and health, for richer or poorer (you have to actively purpose yourself to do this; it doesn’t always come easy), for as long as you both should live. In marriage and in life, we tend to lose sight of our purpose; thus, we lose sight of our priorities. Where are your spouse and your spouse’s happiness on your priority list? If they are set at number two, after God, you are on the right track. If you can’t figure it out, you are holding the right book!