My Resolution

By Martin

I just received a great reminder that some things are more important. Too often, I feel that I am not there for my wife and kids like I should be. Because I have that feeling, I know that it is true. Therefore, I need to take steps to better myself for them. I want to be the man my wife can trust to be the leader of our household. I want to be the daddy that my kids can look up to for guidance and stability while remaining humble and generous with my time, my love, and not just my money.

Starting today, I resolve to be the man God has called me to be.

To my wife, I resolve to be a devoted and faithful husband. To love, honor, and cherish her. To guide and protect her.

To my children, I resolve to be a devoted father. To teach them to love God always. To lead them in the ways of the Lord and protect them from the evil one.

I resolve to love my wife and my children with my time. I know that they need me more than the money I bring home.

I resolve to resist the devil's temptations. To remember that God has a free gift for me and I will no longer buy what Satan is selling.

I resolve to smile more and to be happy more. For the Lord is joy and I want others to see His joy through me.

Father God, please send your Holy Spirit to guide me through these resolutions. For it is through Your strenght, and not my own, that all things are possible. I pray that others will see Your love through me. Help me to be the leader You have called me to be. I pray that I will continue to lead my family and be a blessing to them and not be just the man who pays the bills. Father, I know that you have given me the strength to resist the devil's temptations. But, sometimes I forget and so I pray that Your Word will remain on my lips to thwart the devil's schemes. Please lead me in the way everlasting. I love you Father and I thank you for all of Your provisions in my life. For I know that through You all things are possible. It is in the mighty name of Your son Jesus Christ that I pray these things. Amen.

For those of you reading this, I ask that you help and encourage me. We all live in a fallen world and we need each other to stay sharp. Proverbs 27:17: As iron sharpens iron, so one man shall sharpen another. To rely not on my own understanding, but to trust in God. Thank you.

Marriage Conference

By Martin

This past weekend, my wife and I went to a marriage conference here in Omaha.  We had a good time and enjoyed the conference very much.  We have been to a number of marriage conferences and retreats over the years.  It is good to reconnect with each other in an environment specifically geared towards marriage.

One thing that I noticed was the number of times that the speaker would reference topics that I cover in my book, “My Purpose vs. God’s Purpose: For My Life”.  About the couple being a team and not one dominating over another.  But, there does have to be a structure set forth in the household.  That is why the Bible tells us that the man is the head of the wife as Jesus Christ is the head of the church.  And that wives should submit to their husbands in everything (Ephesians 5:22-24). 

Now, that is not to be abused by either the man or the woman because right before that passage, in verse 21, it says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”.  My wife knows that I view marriage as a partnership.  We are equal partners.  However, I know that I am the one who will be held accountable for the actions of my family.  I am the one who is to sacrifice my life for them.  And I am the one who is ultimately held to lead them.

During the conference, the speaker touched several chapters in my book, but more specifically on chapters 9, 15, and 23.  Chapter 9 being the quote from a husband, “I don’t mind if she is the head of the household”.  Chapter 15, “I have changed for him/her, but he/she won’t change for me”.  And Chapter 23, “Is it okay to date/marry someone who is not a Christian?”

But, that wasn’t the first time that this has happened.  There have been several instances when I will either hear a sermon, or listen to a speaker, and they will go over these different things that are in my book.  Why do you think that is?  Well, as you may or may not know, this book was completely inspired by the Holy Spirit.  If I did not feel it came from the Holy Spirit it didn’t get written.  And by hearing it over and over again, from different sources, just re-affirms that for me.

The information in this book are relative to everyone, because we all go through these types of situations throughout the course of our lives.  That is another reason why it continues to come up; because we all are dealing with it.  I have written it in a way that will provide guidance and encouragement through the direction from the Bible.  Each chapter begins with a passage from the Bible and has scripture references throughout.

If you haven’t had the chance to read it yet, I highly recommend that you get a copy for yourself and a loved one.  Your life may never be the same again.

Here are some testimonies from just a few of the readers:

"This book is phenomenal. It is a must read for all new believers." - Sue Peffer

"It was an easy read. Informative and a great book especially for new believers. I also loved how you opened up and made yourself known and vulnerable." - Randy Kirk

"I love this book. I read something from it every day." - Sheila Guenther
 
"Thank you so much for this eye-opener..may God bless you!" - Samantha Koyesiga

"I just completed reading this book, it's very inspirational. great depiction of nadir and zenith.. I would definitely recommend reading this book at least once.   Nadir.. the low times and Zenith.. the high time.. are like the sinusoidal wave pattern. A person will never have the not so pleasant time in his/her life forever.. so lets start our day with a smile on our face.. Amen!! I can't thank you enough Martin, as your book answers, the most of the complicated questions that life puts in front of us.. thank you.." - Ajay Bhowmick