Daily Strength for Couples: A 365-Day Devotional
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About this ebook
Quality time is important for maintaining a healthy marriage. Be encouraged with truth as you spend time reflecting on these devotions, Scriptures, and prayers together. As you take a moment to connect with each other and with God, you will be filled with his strength and peace.
When you prioritize spending a few moments to grow together in your relationship with God, you will quickly learn that it is the strongest way to begin or end your day. Take courage in God's love for you and be ready to conquer each new day together!
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BroadStreet Publishing inspires the world around you. We are passionate about creating meaningful, inspirational products that share God's truth with beauty, quality and creativity.
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Daily Strength for Couples - BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC
BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.
Savage, Minnesota USA
BroadStreetPublishing.com
Daily Strength for Couples
© 2021 by BroadStreet Publishing
978-1-4245-6238-1 (faux)
978-1-4245-6239-8 (eBook)
Devotional entries compiled by Michelle Winger.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. zondervan.com. The NIV
and New International Version
are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TPT) are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion " Fire Ministries. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing. All rights reserved.
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Compiled and edited by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com
Printed in China.
21 22 23 24 25 26 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
"Love each other deeply,
as much as I have loved you."
JOHN 15:12 TPT
Contents
January
January 1: Resolutions
January 2: Life Adventures
January 3: Thinking of You
January 4: Eternal Authority
January 5: Foresight
January 6: Best Friends
January 7: What You Bring
January 8: Stormy Waters
January 9: Precions
January 10: Understanding
January 11: Hope Overflowing
January 12: Living Sacrifice
January 13: Good Gifts
January 14: The Great Need
January 15: In a Crowd
January 16: Pedestals
January 17: Burdens Lifted
January 18: Futile Flattery
January 19: Comfort in Suffering
January 20: Soldiers Together
January 21: Pure Ingredients
January 22: God’s Riches
January 23: Sacrificial Love
January 24: Price of Wealth
January 25: Supporting Role
January 26: Finding Flaws
January 27: A New Worldview
January 28: Submit in Love
January 29: Devoted in Love
January 30: Blessed by Trust
January 31: Celebrating Success
February
February 1: A Reliable Partner
February 2: Sound Wisdom
February 3: Light and Dark
February 4: The One
February 5: Self-Control
February 6: Uprooting Bitterness
February 7: Life and Peace
February 8: Absolute Peace
February 9: Unfolding
February 10: Preserved
February 11: Comfort Zone
February 12: Safe and Sound
February 13: Heart at Rest
February 14: Everyday Sweetness
February 15: Enduring Love
February 16: Benefits of Generosity
February 17: Trusting Together
February 18: Giving Cheerfully
February 19: Sharing Difficulties
February 20: Right Jealousy
February 21: Know-It-All
February 22: Mind Reading
February 23: Open Your Pantry
February 24: Pure Religion
February 25: Tithing Time
February 26: Supporting Others
February 27: Honest Communication
February 28: Walk in Light
March
March 1: Job’s Heart
March 2: Facing Trouble
March 3: Inexplicable Joy
March 4: Difficult to Love
March 5: The Fruit Basket
March 6: Incomprehensible
March 7: Unafraid
March 8: Replacing Ashes
March 9: Rekindle the Flame
March 10: Our Struggle
March 11: Half Empty Cup
March 12: Discipline Challenge
March 13: Planting Seeds
March 14: Always a Child
March 15: Father of Comfort
March 16: Time Marches On
March 17: The Waiting Game
March 18: Control Factor
March 19: Personality Clashes
March 20: Getting Along
March 21: Smart People
March 22: Faithful in Prayer
March 23: Beyond the List
March 24: No Fear
March 25: Hearts Aligned
March 26: Chase After God
March 27: Run First
March 28: The Priority
March 29: Lens of Love
March 30: New Mercies
March 31: Deep Yearnings
April
April 1: Way of Fools
April 2: Ask the Teacher
April 3: Billions of Cells
April 4: Stressful Marathons
April 5: Shield of Love
April 6: Just Stay Calm
April 7: Safe and Secure
April 8: Stepping Away
April 9: Clothed in Righteousness
April 10: Godly Contentment
April 11: Triumphant Wisdom
April 12: Gentle Answer
April 13: Standards of Love
April 14: A Good Argument
April 15: Testing Patience
April 16: Two Paths
April 17: Judgment
April 18: Children of God
April 19: Rewards
April 20: Meeting Together
April 21: All Is Possible
April 22: Vow to God
April 23: Complementary Couple
April 24: Cherished Wisdom
April 25: Passing Through
April 26: Focus Forward
April 27: Bringing Calm
April 28: Careful Words
April 29: Each Has a Gift
April 30: Good Steps
May
May 1: Growing in Love
May 2: Winning Teams
May 3: Keep Romance Alive
May 4: Like Jesus
May 5: Peace in Humility
May 6: Heavenly Songs
May 7: Not Where but How
May 8: Grace Agents
May 9: Love
May 10: Sprouting Seeds
May 11: Confident Hope
May 12: Make Music
May 13: Captive Thoughts
May 14: Fruit of Kindness
May 15: Heavenly Comfort
May 16: Sleep in Peace
May 17: Distinctly Unique
May 18: Blessed
May 19: Together in Grief
May 20: Be an Encourager
May 21: Love Always
May 22: The Golden Rule
May 23: A God Decision
May 24: Serving Together
May 25: Gratitude Always
May 26: Morning Conversations
May 27: Happy Days
May 28: Rejoice Always
May 29: Steadfast Love
May 30: Letting Go
May 31: Devoted to Prayer
June
June 1: Rest in Love
June 2: Honored
June 3: The Team
June 4: Best Consultant
June 5: The Best Promise
June 6: Brook of Bliss
June 7: Covenant of Love
June 8: Never Alone
June 9: Shield of Salvation
June 10: Undivided
June 11: Temple Work
June 12: Rooted in Christ
June 13: Everlasting and Unfailing
June 14: Pursued by Love
June 15: Sharpening Iron
June 16: Joyful Medicine
June 17: Climates of Chaos
June 18: Heavenly Peace
June 19: Teamwork
June 20: Real Success
June 21: Price of Wisdom
June 22: Fear God
June 23: Good Reputation
June 24: Cultivating Patience
June 25: Created with Purpose
June 26: Delighted in You
June 27: New Command
June 28: Tuned Together
June 29: Value above Worry
June 30: Fierce Peace
July
July 1: With Integrity
July 2: Be a Builder
July 3: Strong and Courageous
July 4: Better than Fireworks
July 5: Hear and Obey
July 6: Boasting
July 7: Come Boldly
July 8: Eternal Contentment
July 9: Getting Advice
July 10: Give Generously
July 11: For You
July 12: Growing Up
July 13: Humble Harmony
July 14: Iron Bars
July 15: Be Still
July 16: Unquenchable Love
July 17: Love that Lasts
July 18: Loving the World
July 19: Needing Help
July 20: Healthy Ways
July 21: Our Safe Place
July 22: Mouths of Babes
July 23: Bitter Roots
July 24: Unwholesome Talk
July 25: Shine Like Stars
July 26: Following
July 27: With God
July 28: Freedom of Forgiveness
July 29: Great Exchange
July 30: Habit of Prayer
July 31: The Listening Ear
August
August 1: Trained for Battle
August 2: Do Good
August 3: Ask for Directions
August 4: Gracions Homes
August 5: Nazarene Neighbors
August 6: Keep the Peace
August 7: Practice Love
August 8: Humble Arguments
August 9: Surviving the Drought
August 10: Considered Conversations
August 11: Nearsighted
August 12: Received
August 13: Creator and Judge
August 14: Bonds of Peace
August 15: Sharing Wisdom
August 16: Understanding
August 17: Cause and Effect
August 18: Praise Wins
August 19: Set in Stone
August 20: Combat Loneliness
August 21: With Passion
August 22: Dissonance
August 23: Choosing Contentment
August 24: Undeserved
August 25: Unchained
August 26: Mine
August 27: Command and Promise
August 28: Overflowing
August 29: A Guard
August 30: Full Acceptance
August 31: Where Wisdom Is
September
September 1: Ask for Wisdom
September 2: Eternal Futures
September 3: Hope and Mercy
September 4: You First
September 5: Pride or Honor
September 6: Ability
September 7: You Before Me
September 8: Tears of Laughter
September 9: People of Integrity
September 10: Yes and No
September 11: Follow Me
September 12: Many Advisers
September 13: Constructive Criticism
September 14: Brotherly Affection
September 15: Maker Marked
September 16: Celebrate Often
September 17: Eternal Blessing
September 18: Good Works
September 19: Unique Gifts
September 20: Power in Weakness
September 21: Family Support
September 22: Continual
September 23: Strength in Numbers
September 24: Encouraging Words
September 25: Words that Wound
September 26: Choose Better
September 27: Our Safe Place
September 28: Breaching a Dam
September 29: Like Honey
September 30: Collected Baggage
October
October 1: Clear Truth
October 2: True Wealth
October 3: Being Quiet
October 4: For Me
October 5: Kindness Overflow
October 6: Learn from Wisdom
October 7: Honoring Parents
October 8: All About Me
October 9: Work Ethic
October 10: Bearing Fruit
October 11: Clear Guide
October 12: A Trustworthy Heart
October 13: Marriage Foundation
October 14: Our Fortress
October 15: Love Covers
October 16: Perfect Example
October 17: Truly Amazing
October 18: More Important
October 19: Less of Me
October 20: Racing Partner
October 21: No Callonses
October 22: Living Rebuke
October 23: Peace through Laws
October 24: Servant’s Heart
October 25: Sharing
October 26: Extending a Hand
October 27: Sharing Eternity
October 28: Careful Words
October 29: Precions Promise
October 30: Part of the Equation
October 31: Better Days
November
November 1: Ruling a Kingdom
November 2: Openness in Life
November 3: Inner Circle
November 4: A Reliable Friend
November 5: God-Positioning System
November 6: Cold Water
November 7: Unmerited Favor
November 8: New Grip
November 9: Blossoming
November 10: Elementary Teaching
November 11: Mature in Love
November 12: Artist, Builder, Writer
November 13: Better Balance
November 14: Joined Together
November 15: Don’t Look Back
November 16: Wisdom Granted
November 17: Knitted Together
November 18: Drink Deeply
November 19: Rejoicing in Suffering
November 20: Pleasing Presence
November 21: Acceptable Words
November 22: Cultivate Thankfulness
November 23: Directing Hearts
November 24: Olive Branch
November 25: Times of Separation
November 26: Glad for Today
November 27: Thankful for You
November 28: Faithfulness
November 29: Blessing of Hospitality
November 30: Showing Mercy
December
December 1: The Perusal
December 2: Hard Knocks
December 3: Seek the Lord
December 4: Two Masters
December 5: Daily Savoring
December 6: Fullness of Joy
December 7: Authentic Models
December 8: Carrying Burdens
December 9: Abandoning Self
December 10: Personal Jesus
December 11: Little and Great
December 12: Differences
December 13: Unswerving Faith
December 14: Guard Your Heart
December 15: Always Hope
December 16: Prayer of Blessing
December 17: Important Things
December 18: Unlimited Forgiveness
December 19: Gentle Rain
December 20: Fixed Thoughts
December 21: Important Instructions
December 22: Hidden Word
December 23: Contrary Living
December 24: As a Baby
December 25: The Messiah
December 26: Perfect Faithfulness
December 27: The Sword
December 28: Consider the Creator
December 29: Rule Followers
December 30: Foundation
December 31: Led by God
Introduction
With your lives moving in fast forward and no known chance of slowing down, finding time to devote to your marriage can seem nearly impossible. Quality time is incredibly important for maintaining a healthy marriage in this quick-paced society where you run (sometimes literally) from errands to appointments to activities and back again.
One of the best ways to strengthen your relationship is to spend time with God—together.
This daily devotional offers inspiring reflections on relationships, encouraging Scriptures, and thought-provoking questions to help you intentionally engage with God and each other. When you prioritize spending a few moments to grow together in your relationship with God, you will quickly learn that it is the best way to begin or end your day.
January
A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
GENESIS 2:24 ESV
JANUARY 1
Resolutions
I will give heed to the blameless way. When will you come to me? I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me.
PSALM 101:2-3 NASB
Many of us make annual New Year’s resolutions, only to abandon them while the year is still young. The resolutions are usually great goals, but we lack the willpower to keep them. In Psalm 101, King David speaks boldly about his resolve to govern his kingdom and his home with integrity and righteousness.
Have you considered making the same declarations for your home and your marriage? Would your behavior, attitudes, words, and choice of movies and entertainment change? Would you be more mindful of keeping your word and be less influenced by the world? We know that determination alone cannot carry us, but David knew that too. He could make these bold statements because he knew that God was loving, kind, fair, and dependable. God is the real power behind resolutions.
Are the two of you willing to make David’s resolutions your own? How can you walk with integrity in every area of your life?
JANUARY 2
Life Adventures
How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
PSALM 84:5 NASB
Marriage is an adventure. Adventures take us into unknown territories, and so do our relationships. Part of the fun in any adventure is having a companion along for the journey, and nothing could be better than experiencing joyful moments with a sweetheart.
However, adventures come with hazards and unexpected moments that threaten to wreck our trips. Life adventures deal with unexpected heartache, health problems, and financial difficulties. Where do we turn when life’s trip takes a bad turn? Tour guides lead and advise travelers on their adventures, and we have the ultimate guide in God. When troubles disrupt the adventure, he sees clearly our path, and he will provide the necessary tools for the journey.
What are some adventures that we can do together for God? What have we learned from life adventure disruptions, and how can we use those moments to draw closer to each other?
JANUARY 3
Thinking of You
God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
PHILIPPIANS 1:8 NASB
Built into each of us is a craving for love and affection, and that longing is important in our relationships. God set the standard for perfect love, inspiring us with his example. But it’s easy to get busy or preoccupied as responsibilities claim our attention. Forgetting to express affection creates a void in our marriages.
Marriage needs all kinds of affection. Physical touch is vital; hugs and kisses say, You are the most special person on earth to me.
And it’s important to hear the words I love you each day. Try writing a quick note to leave by your spouse’s morning coffee cup. Send flowers just because, or a text that says, Thinking of you.
As God beautifully shares his love with us, we can become extensions of his loving hands and heart and share that love with the partner he’s given us.
How do you feel when your sweetheart is affectionate toward you? What can you do to be more loving to your spouse?
JANUARY 4
Eternal Authority
Even from eternity I am He, And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?
ISAIAH 43:13 NASB
How glorious it is to belong to the King! What an honor to be counted among his children, to be held secure in his hand, to be the recipients of his love and affection. We are finite beings, but the Lord Almighty is infinite. Our presence here is fixed, but he is eternal. We were created by him and for him; he is the Author and Creator of all that we know. What he has decided to do, none can dismantle. Whom he decides to save, none can sway.
The Lord extends his hand and delivers us from our adversary, and all the enemy’s schemes cannot crush his limitless power. He is from eternity, possessing all form of love and wisdom. His plan is perfect, and we are part of it. For all of time—past, present, and future—the Lord reigns with justice and mercy. We are blessed beyond measure to know and be known by him.
Knowing that God holds you and keeps you safe, what could you and your spouse endeavor to do with boldness?
JANUARY 5
Foresight
I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
JOB 42:2 NASB
Sitting in agony, covered in dust, boils, and tears, Job declared his faith in God. Although it seemed like his whole world had fallen apart, Job still believed that God was able to do anything. He believed in God’s ability to remove his sufferings, yet he received something far greater than relief: God met Job in his pain and showed him his great mysteries. Rather than ease his suffering, he used it to open Job’s eyes and grew his relationship with him even deeper! Job’s faith multiplied, as did his wisdom.
When we suffer, rather than immediately seeking an escape, we should look for how the Lord might be using the situation to richly bless our lives. Instead of making our anguish end, he may meet us in it and share the burden with us. Far more desirable than a life of ease is the experience of a true friendship with the Creator. His plans will be established across the globe because his purposes cannot be stopped. His friends are invited to participate in his mission, but it will be accompanied by many hardships and trials. But he is with us through it all.
In the midst of suffering, does your mind go first to easing your pain or seeking God?
How can you encourage your spouse in moments of suffering?
JANUARY 6
Best Friends
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
PROVERBS 17:17 NLT
True friendships are often revealed through adversity. When the excitement wears off and the trials hit, loyal friends will remain to help fight the battles. Their love is constant and not dependent on what they receive from the relationship. Friendship does not ask what is fair; it exhibits true love regardless of the cost.
Marriages will experience conflict, but a healthy marriage will rise above the argument and spouses will support each other through the best and worst of life. Christ is the perfect example of a devout lover, a brother, and a true friend. His love is constant, never wavering and eternal. He came to earth to help those in need, not to be served, and he gave his own life to serve those he loved. In Christ, we are family. We may be friends as well, but first we are brothers and sisters in Christ, loyal to the Lord and to each other.
Beyond partnership, do you and your spouse enjoy a friendship together?
JANUARY 7
What You Bring
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 PETER 2:9 NRSV
We were chosen as God’s people, and the purpose for that is not our own self-preservation or glorification, but so we may proclaim his goodness and explain all the incredible wonders he has done on our behalf. Remembering where we came from helps us keep perspective on who we are; we were once lost in darkness, but God called us out of it and flooded us with his marvelous light. Now we are members of his holy family.
Anyone willing to leave their dark pasts behind and submit themselves to Christ’s calling becomes a member of his holy nation—a nation which will endure forever and not be swept away with temporal things. Regardless of where we come from or what we look like, we become one spiritual race since we share the same Father. Peter made it clear that this was not an invitation to the Israelites alone but to anyone who stumbled out of darkness and embraced living in God’s light.
What opportunities do you have to proclaim the mighty acts of God?
JANUARY 8
Stormy Waters
We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
ROMANS 5:3-5 NIV
Wouldn’t it be nice if every marriage came equipped with a plan for smooth sailing? Instead, we encounter severe storms and rough waters as we face financial difficulties, health crisis situations, and relationship struggles. These moments can strengthen us or destroy us, and our attitudes influence the outcome as we face those challenges.
By asking God what he wants us to learn from those situations, we build perseverance and character to help us in future storms. As we see God’s hand in our lives and marriages, we have confidence in his will for the years ahead. And when we ride out those challenges together as a couple, our love grows.
How do you react to challenges? How can you work together as a couple when stormy times arrive?
JANUARY 9
Precions
Let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
1 PETER 3:4 NASB
Turning his attention specifically to Christian wives, Peter explained that a woman’s true beauty is found in her unseen character rather than her outward appearance. Women are inundated with messages about what the world deems attractive, and they are plagued with insurmountable physical standards. Instead of striving to achieve some form of impossible physique, their focus should be on cultivating a humble and quiet heart. Like so many of the Bible’s lessons which were directed at a certain group of people in that time, there are spiritual insights associated with them that are applicable to anyone.