Dave Harvey - I Still Do Devotional: 31 Days to a Stronger Marriage

W elcome to the I Still Do Devotional . Im so glad that youve picked up this resource. Some of you may have grabbed this because you already know about the book I Still Do: Growing Closer and Stronger through Lifes Defining Moments or the companion study guide. Some of you may know my previous book, When Sinners Say I Do . Others have just found the devotional on its own. Whatever the case, I believe this book will serve you.

Over the years, Kimm and I have had some moments in our marriage when we just didnt know what to do. Those experiences often determined our progress and sometimes, quite honestly, have marked points where we plateaued. We learned that falling in love is easy; remaining in love is something entirely different. Kimm and I have often looked back and thought, Gee, it would have been really nice to know that sooner!

Ive written this series of books to tell you about some of those defining moments. Think of defining moments as life-transforming experiences, events, and decisions that determine (and sometimes alter) your whole direction. We know that marriage is God-ordained, yet he seems to ordain specific defining moments throughout marriage. Im talking about specific experiences or seasons in life where God

• presents a decision for truth
• requires a cost
• offers a Christ-exalting opportunity
• grows the soul
• determines our destination

In the book I Still Do , I chose ten crucial and defining moments, big life lessons that have shaped the direction of my marriage. But the truth is that most of those big moments were made up of smaller ones. The bigger lessons were learned bit by bit in the midst of what seemed like insignificant daily decisions. Sure, most of life is made up of ordinary days where big moments dont break into our monotony. Were not superheroes, spies, or sports stars who have one shining moment to rise above the routines of life. There are no gold medals for what most of us do. Our days are occupied with carpools, careers, and colon checks. Moments in our lives feel routine. Growth is about applying truth over time; its a long, slow obedience. The truth is that Gods invitations to us dont just come in the big moments of crisis. They come in the small moments of daily life. And without obedience in the little moments, we wont be ready to follow Christ when the big moments come. For that reason, we need daily reminders and daily reflection.

Thats where this devotional comes in. This isnt the sort of book you should rush through. Go slowly with whats ahead. Read the daily Scripture passage and devotional alone or with your spouse. But even if you choose to read on your own, set aside some time to talk through the material with your spouse afterward. Each day includes a brief point of reflection, application, or prayer at the end that you can talk or pray about together. You may also consider writing down your and your spouses reflections in a journal. Slowing down to write out these thoughts is a way of listening both to your spouse and to the Holy Spirit as he applies Gods Word to your heart. My prayer is that through these thirty-one daily reflections, youll see how Jesus wants to meet you in every moment of your marriage. He will make the difference for every decade.