1 John 3:16-22 (NASB)
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Lord, I know you're not asking me to lay down my life in a physical way today, like take a bullet for someone or step in to be a hostage in a bank robbery, saving everyone else. But could you maybe be talking about my husband here? Like, maybe I should look at him and listen when he's talking to me, instead of still scrolling through emails. Like maybe being the one to approach him with a twinkle in my eye, even though I'm tired and overwhelmed by my to-do list.
But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
I'm good at this part, God. Well, at least better than with other commands. I run a support group and make sure teen moms have the diapers and clothes they need. I've given up some of my “goods” too, trying to focus more on you. But wait … in this passage you consider my husband as my “brother” too don't you? Yeah, I guess that makes sense. He does need more quality time with me. He's been asking about a date night for a while. He also needs me to help him run errands that he can't get to when he's at work. I suppose I've been putting those off.
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.
Lord, this reminds me again of how easy it is for me to tell my husband I love him, but how much harder it is to show that love and to live out that truth. Sometimes it's the same with you God. It's easy to say I love you. Or to buy a wall hanging with a Scripture verse on it and sing extra loud during worship at church. But it's harder to do the things I know you're asking of me. When I feel that “nudging” deep inside I need to do better at paying attention. Help me to do better in Your strength.
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
I think I'm onto something here. All those weeks, months and years that I've prayed for a better marriage, it seems those prayers would be answered if I did the things I ought, by: 1) laying down my life, 2) by meeting my husband's needs, 3) by living out love in true ways—to him and to You.
I know now by your words that when my heart confirms I've been living this way my prayer(s) will be answered. I'm willing to do this, Lord. I want to try. I know you want to answer my prayers for a strong marriage just as much as I long to pray them. Start today, Lord—start with me—to make the desires of my heart reality.
Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults (Upper Room Books). Don’t Write My Obituary Just Yet was released in March 2011, and Aging Faithfully: 28 Days of Prayer was released in May 2011. She writes a monthly column, “Aging Well,” for the United Methodist Reporter and she hosts Aging and Faith with Missy Buchanan on BlogTalk Radio. She has also written for many publications including Mature Years, Mature Living, Presbyterians Today, Christian Association Serving Adults Ministries, Entrepreneur, The Dallas Morning News, and Good Morning America’s spirituality page. In December 2010, she appeared on Good Morning America with Robin Roberts and Roberts’ 86-year-old mother in a segment about aging and faith. (Visit 
mature adults pick up a book by Missy Buchanan and find themselves reading stores that reflect their lives and situations. Each time the stores, poems and prayers move the reader through a myriad of thoughts and feelings ranging from questioning and pain to relief and joy. It is this emotional connection that will draw in readers of Don't Write My Obituary Just Yet.
Brian and his bride of 15 years, Jennifer, set up shop in Charlotte NC with their three kids (Brantley, Palmer, and Gibson). He, along with a great team, started and serves as pastor at Renaissance Bible Church. Brian bleeds Tarheel blue, remembers when he played full court basketball, wishes he was a carpenter, and wants to figure out how to live in Montana six months out of the year.
for their wives in a life-and-death situation; but when his bride fires the bullet--hurls an insult, disrespects him in public, ignores his foreplay in private--he’d rather throw in the towel than play through the pain.
in Connecticut, where she raised two children and countless numbers of assorted animals. Joan is the author of numerous historical novels including The Road to Avalon which Publishers Weekly lauded as “historical fiction at its finest.”
More about A Reluctant Queen: An inspiring re-imagining of the tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman thrust from a life of obscurity into a life of power, wealth, intrigue . . . and tender love.
occupational therapist till a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelist critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband.
More about Spring for Susannah: Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie. When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.
Dr. Charles Stanley, and other evangelical publications. He is a contributing writer to Lifeway’s Men’s Devotional, Stand Firm, a columnist for Enrichment Journal, and a blogger for Patheos.com.
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