Couples Devotion 6/21

While my husband is traveling I am typing out the new devotional we are going to do and emailing it to him. It takes me about 30 minutes. I figured all that typing should be shared with the world! So, for at least this next week you can follow along with us. Maybe it will be motivation to start with the love of your life. We are using the Zondervan Couples' Devotional Bible and it is NIV (New International Version). This is a newer version that is available at amazon, I got an older one used for about $10 (and I made a gorgeous cover for it). I'm assuming the devotions are the same. Thanks Heather for the recommendation! Let us begin...

Verse of the Day
Genesis 1:27 
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.


Passage of the Day
Genesis 1:1-31


God's Romance by Tim Stafford
The Bible's first marriage story (Genesis 1-2 begins, like all love stories, with a problem. The chapter reverberates with the regular drumbeat of "good" as God creates the universe. But then something is unsatisfactory. Having made Adam, God discovered something "not good" (Genesis 2:18). God's society was inadequate for Adam; he needed the company of another creature. So God made a partner for Adam-Eve-and presented her to him.


Adam's reaction was immediate and passionate. "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." In effect, Adam exclaimed, "This is one of my family!" He was attracted because he felt a kinship.


Sometimes it is claimed that marriage offers intimate possibilities because of the differences between the sexes-the way in which male and female, as opposites, complement each other. Genesis brings a very different emphasis: It was because of their similar make-up, not because of their differences, that they were able to become intimate partners.


No code of behavior could produce this; it was a gift from God. Something of God is seen in the unashamed nakedness of Adam and Eve. As Adam could delight in Eve because she was like him, so God finds particular delight in this man and woman because together they are like him. There is a fellowship among the three. They feel mutual kinship, and they delight in one another.


Marriage Builders
You are probably well aware of your differences. But what are some of the ways you are similar?


How have your differences and similarities strengthened your marriage?


Additional Reading
Genesis 2:15-25


Proverbs 5:18


Song of Solomon 2:3-4

A Marriage Blessing We thank You, O God, for the love You have implanted in our hearts. May it always inspire us to be kind in our words, considerate of feelings, and concerned for each other's needs and wishes. Help us to be understanding and forgiving of human weaknesses and failings. Increase our faith and trust in You and may Your prudence guide our life and love. Bless our marriage, O God, with peace and happiness, and make our Love fruitful for Your glory and our joy both here and in eternity. Author Unknown