The Cross at the Center of a Marriage

Looking back on those days when I was just a young woman stepping into marriage, I see this: what I said I expected and what I really expected were two different things.

What I planned on was spending the rest of my life with my best friend, what I didn't foresee was that my love for this man would bring me to the cross time and again.


There's something about the character of antiques that takes our breath away. They are unique, of precious value, and have stood the test of time. So it is with love that is preserved by a couple who care enough about their marriage to value its worth.

How do you preserve the worth of something so precious when the wear and tear of this world are bringing it down? You put the cross at the center of your marriage.

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." ~ Luke 9:23, KJV

The bumps in our marriage however big or small have always been surrounded by selfish ambition and pride. But when I move pride aside to make room for patience, understanding and kindness I see two hearts molding together as one.

Philippians 2 tells us to put on the mind of Christ, which tells me that I need to start thinking like Him who humbled Himself before man.

"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." ~ Philippians 2:7, KJV

With that said, I'd like to add this: servant-hood isn't about washing dishes or doing someone's laundry--any dry cleaner or maid service can do that. It stems from a place in our heart where we give up our right to be "right," for the good of our marriage.

Keeping house and making good meals for our family is an extension of that love, but it isn't the root and never should be. A flower without root soon withers away, but one firmly planted has long-lasting beauty.

This Friday as we remember the crucifixion of our Lord, I challenge you to take on the heart of a servant who humbled Himself before God and man.

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

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Desiring God - And a Titus 2sday Link up!

Drawn from my archives

I was recently asked what advice I might give to women who are desiring a closer walk with the Lord. I like this question because the answer to it has been on my heart.

I think that the key to deeper intimacy lies in the way that we approach our relationship with Christ. Some women have an affection for God, while others combine that affection with action.

Brethren, I count not myself to haveapprehended: but this one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind,and reaching forth unto those things whichare before, I press toward the mark forthe prize of the high calling ofGod in Christ Jesus.~ Philippians 3:13-14, KJV 

See the difference? The goal calls us to action, while fuzzy warm feelings call us to rest.

Goals are looming mountains that beckon us to overcome them. We have one goal in mind, which Paul refers to as the "mark for the prize of the high calling," and every step we take in faith brings us one step closer to that goal.

How sad it is for those who give up, turn around and climb back down the mountain, because the cost is too high. They'll never experience the reward that those who persevere will once they reach the top. The rich young ruler in Luke 18 is a prime example of that. He was interested in following Christ, but the minute that he was asked to give up something he loved, the Bible tells us that he walked away sorrowful.

I saw a movie last year starring James Franco, called “127 Hours.” Aron Ralston, an experienced twenty-seven-year-old outdoorsman, was on a day’s solitary hike through a remote and narrow Utah canyon when he dislodged an eight-hundred- pound boulder that crushed his right hand and wrist against the canyon wall.

Emerging from the searing pain, Aron found himself completely stuck. No one knew where he was; no one was coming to rescue him. With scant water and food, and a cheap pocketknife his only tool, he eliminated his options one by one. On the fifth night, wracked by delirium and uncontrollable shivers, Aron scratched his epitaph into the rock wall, certain he would not see daylight. (Description from Amazon)

Like the rich young ruler, Aron started out with a will to live, but it wasn’t until the sixth day that he made a life changing decision and puts his will into action, thus gaining his life.

And if thy right hand offend thee,cut it off, and cast it from thee:for it is profitable for thee that oneof thy members should perish, and notthat thy whole body should be cast into hell.~ Matthew 5:30, KJV

Over time I have discovered that it’s the sacrificial steps we make that draw us closest to Him. I can study His word for days on end, but unless I’m willing to take that step of faith where His will overrides mine in every area of my life, then my study isn’t doing me any good.

We are given choices every day, whether big or small that require us to choose the wisdom of God over our desire for personal satisfaction or comfort. I believe that in choosing God we conform to Christ and as a result are drawn into that place of intimate relationship with Him.

That I may know him, and the power ofhis resurrection, and the fellowshipof his sufferings, being madeconformable unto his death;~ Philippians 3:10

I pray that we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord by reflecting His life in all that we do--whether it be dying to ourselves daily or worshiping at the foot of the cross. I can't think of a better way to celebrate Easter, can you?

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

For comments or questions, contact me at:
darlene[at]darleneschacht.net

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