A Moment of Hope

by Marilynn Chadwick A revival known as the "Children's Prayer Revival" was ignited around December 28, 1707. The location was near the border of Poland and Czechia in an area where evangelical worship had been outlawed. Boys and girls, ages 4-14, assembled in the open fields outside the town to pray. They would sing hymns, read Psalms, and close with a blessing. Church leaders were furious that prayer was taking place outside the church building, yet it was as if nothing could stop these children from assembling to pray. One father, concerned about his children defying the church and governmental authorities, tried to lock his son and daughter in their rooms. Yet when he heard that they intended to leap out their window to assemble for prayer, he conceded and permitted them to go (as recounted by various revival historians). The Children's Prayer Revival spread and before long the adults joined with the children. When adults witnessed the children singing and praying, it "melted them to tears." The children's gatherings often numbered between 300 to 1,000. A city guard was sent with a whip to disperse the children. But when he saw them praying, he was so moved by what he witnessed that he could not do it. We have witnessed firsthand this same boldness among children while traveling to India. Just as the Children's Prayer Revival became the catalyst for more revival, children in India today are bringing entire families to Christ and leading the way for the explosive expansion of the Gospel. As you reflect on the powerful role of children in revival, watch this short 5-minute video (scroll to "Monika's Story"). Mission India is one of our MOHC global partners. Pray for the work of Children's Bible Clubs as they spread the Gospel throughout India. Children are a vital part of our church's prayer, worship, and ministry. Let's ask God to give us the bold courage of those with childlike faith.

by Marilynn Chadwick True revival awakens a heart for the least and the lost. Historically, revivals have occurred during times of cultural darkness. England, at the beginning of the eighteenth century, had plunged into moral decadence. Drunkenness was rampant and gambling so pervasive that historians described the nation as "one vast casino." Tickets were sold to public executions as entertainment. Many children died in workhouses. Conditions were dismal all around. Amid this degradation, increasing numbers of British grew rich on the African slave trade, causing one Anglican bishop to remark that morality and religion in Britain had collapsed "to a degree that was never known in any Christian country." It was into this dark culture that John Wesley's life and ministry helped spark the Methodist movement in Great Britain, which gave rise to the Eighteenth-Century Evangelical Revival. This same movement helped ignite the Great Awakening in the thirteen colonies in the 1730s. Methodists and Baptists took the lead in using revivals to expand the spread of Christianity into the frontiers of America. Wesley's revival methods gave birth to a small group discipleship movement. These small groups of five to ten people never exceeded one percent of the total population of Great Britain. Yet their influence swelled among the masses, eventually spilling over to the upper-crust English society. It's no surprise that this Revival had a powerful effect on social conditions in England, including child labor, prison reform, and later the abolition of slavery. Some even say the Wesley Revival movement helped England avoid the type of violent revolution which swept through France. One thing is clear. Throughout history, true revival brought societal reform wherever it spread. If God could use a small group of revived people to transform culture in one of the darkest times in history, just think of what he can do in and through you in these days.

by Marilynn Chadwick The First Great Awakening in America was ignited around 1730 by a scholarly New England minister named Jonathan Edwards. From there, a series of revivals rapidly spread, bringing about the most significant social upheaval to occur prior to the Revolutionary War. The dramatic, impassioned preaching of England's George Whitfield fueled these revival fires as he passed through the colonies. The strategic discipleship methods of John Wesley, also from England, extended the revival's power and impact in early America. The widespread salvation of unbelievers (that extended beyond the church) marked these Great Awakenings, along with renewed emphasis on holiness by believers. The "pattern" of revival often points to a period of spiritual decline and darkness in the culture. Collin Hansen and John D. Woodbridge speak to these patterns in their book A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories that Stretch and Stir. In the midst of despair and hopelessness, someone steps forward to confess their sins and others follow their example. God often answers these humble, heartfelt, corporate cries with a sweeping move of revival. Confession of sin was also the very backbone of John Wesley's small discipleship groups and initially the vehicle for the spread of the English Evangelical Revival. This same "method" was the foundation for early Methodism in America - contributing to the spread of revival fires throughout the colonies. Wesley's foundational verse was James 5:16a emphasizing the healing that comes through confession: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." The Second Great Awakening in America occurred in the mid 1800s following a great spiritual decline after the Revolutionary War. Results were staggering. Revival historian Edwin Orr states that in the U.S., "a million nominal church members were reinvigorated, and more than a million converts were added to the membership of major Protestant denominations - out of a population of less than 30 million." Again, time will tell what might have been sparked from the events at Asbury University, but if we want to partner with the heart of God to move in our midst, repentance is key. Take simple steps to introduce rhythms of repentance in your life. You never know. It might create revival in your personal life.

by Marilynn Chadwick Fervent, persistent prayer always precedes revival. Revival historians consistently point to what is sometimes called extraordinary prayer. This is united, persistent, and frequent prayer - often for extended periods of time. The Moravian Revival of 1727 started as a 24/7 prayer meeting that lasted for over 100 years. A group of humble, simple servants who were hungry to see God move. This same Revival gave birth to the most wide-reaching global missionary movement in history. The Moravians' fervent prayer deeply affected the personal faith of John Wesley, who said his heart was "strangely warmed" while attending a Moravian Prayer Meeting in London in 1738. It was there he came to understand the true nature of salvation by grace alone and moved from what he called the "faith of a slave" to the "faith of a son." Historically, revivals were always sparked by prayer. A British pamphlet on Revival, dated 1859, states, "True revival breathed life into every sphere of society. The Church, the family, personal devotion, witnessed its intense ardor. Fervent, persevering, believing prayer marked these movements." Prayer meetings were reported as springing up everywhere from ships at sea to warehouses, marketplaces to workplaces. What is being called a revival on the campus of Asbury University bears some characteristics of historic revivals. Sparked by the reported confession of sin by one student, the prayer gathering eventually lasted over two weeks. News of the revival largely spread on social media, attended by about 15,000 people each day. By its end, the revival brought 50,000-70,000 visitors to Wilmore, Kentucky, representing more than 200 academic institutions and multiple countries. As with any revival movement, only time will tell the full story of Asbury. One thing is for sure. Revival always begins with prayer.

by Marilynn Chadwick There has been a lot of talk recently about revival. What is revival? Does it matter? How should it be stewarded? The dictionary defines "revival" as "coming back to life" or "restoring force, validity, or effect to something." An Emergency Room doctor might revive a patient whose heart has stopped beating. While the word "revival" doesn't appear in Scripture, "revive" does. Psalm 85:6 says, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" Isaiah 57:15b says, "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite." Clearly there are moments where God's people find themselves in need of restored hope, new life, fresh perspective. Episodes in the Bible and throughout church history, where Christians are revived, reveal a pattern. These movements were characterized by fervent prayer, repentance of sin, a commitment to holiness, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. Unbelievers were saved in vast numbers and entire communities experienced the impact of God's grace. This often led to dramatic societal changes. Taverns emptied, crime decreased, and marriages were restored. Children were often found at the forefront of historical revival movements. These same marks of revival are present in the Gospel movements sweeping throughout the world today, especially in the Global South. Over the next several days, we will explore these and other characteristics of revival – a timely discussion in light of what is being called a revival that took place recently on the campus of Asbury University in Wilmore, KY. We will be asking this question: If revival is real, then what does it mean for me?

Who moved the stone? Our last proof of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is found in this question. In fact, it is essential to answer this question. Let me ask it again. Who moved the stone? It wasn't the Romans. They wanted a dead body behind the one ton stone. It wasn't the Jews. They had the same motivation as the Romans. They wanted Jesus dead. His body in the tomb forever. It wasn't Jesus's disciples. The tomb was surrounded by Roman guards and there was no way they would have been able to bypass all of them and move the stone. So, who moved it? Here is the truth of what happened to that stone. The power of God pushed the stone away! Maybe it was even an angel. The soldiers ended up in a trance. Dumbfounded. And Jesus walked right out in resurrection glory! Politely folding his head coverings on the way out. Frank Morrison, a noted lawyer and spiritual skeptic, put the Resurrection on trial. He set out to disprove the Resurrection of Jesus. He knew it was the heart of the Christian faith. Disprove it and Christianity is proven to be false. After all his examinations, Frank became a Christian. Devoted his entire life to Jesus. He went on to write a powerful book entitled, "Who Moved the Stone?" to prove his findings. It's a worthy read even today. And always remember: God didn't move the stone to let Jesus out, but to let us in. He wanted us to see the tomb empty! To have marked evidence of the Resurrection. To always enjoy and celebrate our risen King. The King of Kings. Lord of Lords. Ruler over all. In Jerusalem today, there are supposedly three different possible tombs for Jesus. We don't really know which one was Jesus's, if any of them were! But they all have one thing in common: they are empty! That's because Jesus is alive. Forever and ever alive! If you have enjoyed this series and would like to hear David's full teaching on the 10 Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus, please visit www.momentsofhopechurch.org/resurrection.

There are many proofs of the Resurrection. Proofs give evidence to the reality of something. I want you to walk in confidence that Jesus is God and is our risen Savior. Here is a significant proof to examine. Produce a body and Christianity dies. What do I mean by this? Well, it's pretty simple. If anyone could produce a dead body of Jesus, the game's over. Finished. Movement stopped. That is all it would have taken to crush the so-called "bogus lie" of Jesus's deity. One person could have stopped Christianity immediately by producing a body. The Christian faith is based entirely on the fact that Jesus's earthly body was raised from the dead. The Jews and Romans concocted a story that Jesus's disciples had come and stolen the body. But how? The tomb was sealed with a Roman seal. It could not be broken. There were Roman guards surrounding the burial place, knowing that the disciples might try to go and do something like this. They ruthlessly guarded the body knowing that if the body were to go missing, they would experience death on a cross like the dead prisoner within the tomb. And these were crack Roman guards. Their entire job training was to do this very job! Yet… the stone is removed. The body is gone. How did the disciples elude the Roman guards? Break the seal? Move the stone? The authorities never could produce a body. This one thing would have stopped the movement of Christianity, but it never happened. Why? This proof has to make you pause. Reflect. Wonder. Could the message of Jesus actually be true? Is Jesus really God? Why could no one produce a body? Because that body was raised from the dead! Jesus is alive and has a new resurrection body. We, too, will receive a resurrection body one day. Celebrate, dear friends! Jesus is alive! And Lord over all! If you have enjoyed this series and would like to hear David's full teaching on the 10 Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus, please visit www.momentsofhopechurch.org/resurrection.

I love the many proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus. They provide evidence to the message that has captured my heart and changed my life. I want to share this proof with you today: Jesus received worship from those who saw him after the Resurrection. Why is this significant? Because only God is worthy of worship. Only God can receive worship. If any creature demands your worship, you should adamantly refuse. Yet when Jesus appeared to Thomas in his resurrection, Thomas fell to his knees and said, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Note the personal "my." After much doubting and questioning, the reality of Jesus's Resurrection became personal to him. He saw the nail-marked hands and the scar in his side. He worshiped the risen Jesus. Jesus came to restore us to a relationship with God. He did not come to give us a set of rules and regulations. Jesus was now a personal Lord and God. And here's what's most astounding: Note, JESUS RECEIVED IT! There are other places in the Bible where angels appear to humans and they fall to their knees to worship the angel. But the angel always tells the humans to arise. Get up! The angels tell humans that they are NOT to be worshiped. They are creatures, not the Creator. Only the Creator is worthy of worship. But Jesus allows Thomas to worship him. Why? He has been raised from the dead. He is alive! Therefore, he is God! It's an audacious claim to deity! And is worthy of all worship, honor, and praise! If you have enjoyed this series and would like to hear David's full teaching on the 10 Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus, please visit www.momentsofhopechurch.org/resurrection.

There are so many proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As you look at them, it builds your faith and stirs up the reality of his message. These proofs give us evidence for the truth of the gospel and make us impervious to the influence of the enemy's lies. The change of Passover to the Lord's table is our next proof. Remember what I shared with you about the Sabbath yesterday. Well, the Jews also had celebrated the Passover for 1200 years. It was introduced in the book of Exodus and they faithfully held onto it for 1200 years. Suddenly, it changed. Christians now celebrate the Lord's Table. Communion. The Last Supper in its place. Jesus is the Passover lamb. A lamb's blood is no longer needed for protection and sacrifice. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice. The Lord's Table is now the place to remember the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Christians can now look back at Passover and see how it showed whispers of grace that would ultimately be fulfilled through Jesus's life, death and resurrection. We can enjoy the beauty of Passover and even celebrate it. But it's no longer a requirement. Why? Because Jesus is alive! He has been raised from the dead. He is Lord over all. Jesus said to practice Communion regularly. So now faithful Christians do just that in remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection. Union life with Christ is one of the mysteriously powerful parts of the good news of Jesus Christ. We can abide in him and fellowship with him (John 15:7). We have been restored to the right relationship with the Creator of the universe. We can produce the fruit of his Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How? His life is in me. And mine is in him. That's the essence and meaning of the Lord's Table. Or Communion. Co-union. And every time we eat and partake of the bread and wine, we partake of Jesus. Our risen and living Lord - forever!

We are taking two weeks to look at proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Proofs give evidence to something being true. I hope these proofs will also help you share your faith with skeptics and see their hearts become alive for Jesus. Here is today's proof: the change of the Sabbath from Friday to Sunday. For 1200 years, the Jews had celebrated Shabbat from 6:00p Friday to 6:00p Saturday. Really let that sink in. 1200 years! Imagine the depth of history and tradition in this way of life. Then suddenly, seemingly without any planning, the day of worship changed to Sunday - beginning with Sunday morning. Why? Because the empty tomb was discovered early Sunday morning. The Resurrection occurred on Sunday! It's the heart of the Christian faith; "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). But it is true. Over 500 people saw Jesus alive. There were eyewitnesses galore - enough to change 1200 years of tradition and history! The Sabbath is now an invitation to remember the power of the Resurrection. It no longer has to happen on a specific day of the week. Ritualistic traditions don't hold the power. Jesus Christ does. May we live with the same radical obedience that Jewish people showed when they recognized the change of the Sabbath. May we be willing to lay aside traditions of man to stand boldly for Jesus. May we surrender our earthly methods and practices for the ways of Jesus and his kingdom. And may we see his kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Why? Because Jesus is alive! Risen! Forever and ever.

The life change of Peter is the next proof of the resurrection of Jesus. My hope is that these proofs give you evidence for the Resurrection. And reasons to give to skeptics in your life who doubt Jesus's claim to be God and Lord over our lives. In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus called Peter to be one of his 12 apostles. Peter was a fisherman when Jesus gave him the famous invitation to follow him. He said that he would make him a fisher of men (Matthew 4:19). Peter immediately dropped his nets and followed Jesus. But when Jesus died on the cross, Peter fled. He was nowhere to be found. He had even denied he knew Jesus to protect himself. Yet his life and perspective suddenly changed. Why? Peter saw a resurrected Jesus. Jesus appeared to him (1 Corinthians 15:5). At that moment, Peter knew that he was alive! He knew everything Jesus said was true. He believed that he was God. That he really was the Messiah. That death could not hold him down. Can you imagine the wonder as Peter pieced together the reality of the resurrection? Peter goes on to be martyred in Rome for his great faith in Jesus. Legend has it that he asked to be crucified with his face closest to the ground, for he was not worthy to die as his Lord and Savior had died. How do you explain such a dramatic life change? Someone who lied like a little child to avoid getting in trouble goes on to be martyred for the message of Jesus! Seeing the resurrected Jesus changed him forever! The Resurrection of Jesus is the proof of his divinity. Only one person has ever lived, died, been brought back to life and never died again: Jesus. Others have been raised from the dead, but have had to face death again. Jesus emptied himself, took on the form of a servant, and was born as a man (Philippians 2:7), but lived perfectly as God and became exalted and was bestowed the name above every name (Philippians 2:9). He now lives forever! Jesus is God! And worthy of all of our praise!

One of the most significant proofs of the Resurrection is the life change that took place in those who were initially skeptics. The life change of Paul might be the most profound of them all. He persecuted and killed Christians for a living. In Acts 7, Paul was the one who oversaw Stephen's martyrdom. Stephen was brutally and mercilessly stoned. And as it was happening, he fell to his knees and asked the Lord to not hold that sin against his offenders (Acts 7:60). A profound story! Absolutely horrific! Yet Paul sat by and willingly approved. God granted Stephen's request for the mercy of his offenders, at least in part, through the salvation of Paul. How did this happen, you might ask? On the road to Damascus, Paul encountered the resurrected Jesus and it marked him forever (Acts 9). Paul obeyed Jesus's command to preach the gospel to the Gentile world. And Paul even went on to write approximately two-thirds of the New Testament. Outside of Jesus, Paul may be the most influential person in Christendom. Paul was eventually martyred by Nero in the early 60's AD. A bold and courageous carrier of the message of Jesus. He equipped so many people who went on to carry the message of Jesus, even after his death. Paul went from major persecutor to major proclaimer of Jesus's gospel of grace. What happened to him that caused such a dramatic life focus and change? The answer is simple: Paul was an eyewitness to the Resurrection. Paul's life transformation carried tremendous weight to those who heard his message. How do you explain this apart from the fact that Jesus is alive? Risen? And Lord over all the universe!

I am going over proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. These proofs are evidence that Jesus is Lord. They should also help make you stand firm against the messaging that wants to convince this world that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is not real. There were many persecutors and critics of Jesus during his earthly ministry who experienced radical life change after they had seen him raised from the dead. These testimonies are most certainly proofs of the resurrection. Today, let's look at James, Jesus's half-brother. His life change was profound. James was a critic during Jesus's ministry. In John 7:2-5, he begged Jesus to return home. Verse 5 reminds us that his own brothers did not believe in him. Yet, he saw a resurrected Jesus and his life was changed forever (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). James went on to become head of the Jerusalem church and is found in scripture proclaiming the uncompromised Gospel of Jesus (Acts 15:13-21). He demanded the gospel be available to the Gentiles. He knew everyone needed Jesus's grace. He went on to write the book of James in the New Testament. How do you account for this life change? He would say that it was because he had seen a risen Jesus. His Lord and Savior. Ours, too. From skeptic to believer. From resistant to accepting. From questioning to proclaiming. James experienced a radical transformation after seeing the Resurrection. It marked him. Changed him forever. To the point where he ended up dying a martyr. May each one of us live in such a way that gives testimony to the Resurrection of Jesus in our lives. May the risen Jesus mark us like it did James. And may we share that message in a way that draws others to the heart of God. Jesus is alive!

We are looking at 10 proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus to help you stand against the lies of the enemy. Today's proof is that women were eyewitnesses to an empty tomb! In those days, women were second class citizens. They were not even granted the opportunity to be eyewitnesses at a trial. They were seen as less than. Their perspectives were rarely validated and often overlooked. Why is this significant? Well, if you wanted to fabricate a story back then, you would never dream of using women as your first eyewitnesses. In fact, you would go out of your way to use the most societally credible people as your eyewitnesses. Yet all four of the gospel accounts about Jesus' resurrection have women as the first eyewitnesses. Luke 24:10, for example, says, "Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles." This reality is shocking to say the least. And should give significant reason to pause. Women at the forefront of the story. The first eyewitnesses. Boldly leading the way in declaring the truth of the Resurrection. If someone wanted to sway an entire group of people with a false narrative, this would not be the most convincing way to do it. But that's the way God does things. He chooses the most unlikely evidence to prove his point. And it only makes his point more valid - especially to those of us reading it 2,000 years later. Hallelujah! Jesus is risen! He is alive!

Have you ever looked up the definition of the word proof? One definition is "the evidence or argument establishing or helping to establish a fact or the truth of a statement." When used as an adjective it is defined as "able to withstand something damaging; resistant." I am going to share ten proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. For without the Resurrection, Christians are people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). Without the Resurrection, Christians don't have a faith! Each proof serves as evidence to the truth of his message. They allow you to give a defense of the hope that is in your heart (1 Peter 3:15). Here is the first one: People do not die for what they know is a lie. They may die for what they think is true. But if it is a lie, and they know it's a lie, they will not suffer persecution or lose their life for what they know is a lie. Think about 9/11. Extreme Muslim terrorists believed that by driving planes into buildings to kill infidels, they would be granted 70 plus virgins forever in paradise. Do you think they would have done this if they knew what they believed was a lie? Some have suggested the Resurrection was a legend, made up by the early disciples to keep Jesus's message of love going forward. But this suggestion does not make sense either. First, the disciples were faithful Jews, faithfully following the law which clearly states, "You shall not bear false witness" (Exodus 20:16). Proclaiming a message they knew to be a lie would be in direct violation of the moral law they so faithfully kept. Moreover, these followers of Jesus were mostly persecuted, beaten and even martyred for their faith. No one undergoes this kind of pain for a known lie! Human nature is self-protective, looking out for #1. Wouldn't you think that if they were getting physically tortured and knew it was all a big game, someone would have spoken up and said, "Just kidding! It's a lie!" But the early disciples didn't. They died saying, "Jesus is risen." Why? Because they had seen a risen Lord (Mark 16:5-7). They were eyewitnesses to this fact. It proves Jesus is God in human flesh. The Lord over the universe. And worthy of our worship and obedience.

We are wrapping up our time of learning different leadership principles that I learned while playing under Coach Dean Smith. He was such a man of character, integrity, wisdom, and strength. The final principle I want to share with you is this: know who really is in control. After Coach Smith was hung in effigy the second time, he wondered about his future. Would he be fired? Would he ever see a successful coaching career? After experiencing many questions, he arrived at a profound moment. He learned how little he really controlled. All he could do was do his best and control the moment. At that moment, he gave everything to God, the One who does control everything. His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." There is a confident assurance that comes in recognizing we do not control the universe. Strength comes as we let God be God. I used to tell all of my kids as they were growing up, "Do your best and give God the rest." Leaders, how are you doing with remembering who is really in control? Are you walking in faith in tough situations? Are you leading well through the processes you must oversee, but giving God the outcomes? Are you expressing faith or fear? In leadership, you will always face a wide array of situations and emotions. Everything from joy to despair, successes to failures, acceptance to pushback, hope to discouragement. Learn to develop leadership principles that will help those around you thrive. Continue to trust the Lord with all that you lead. Don't lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). After all, God is the one who is in control of it all anyway. Trust him that he will deal with it in his way and time. He will. Our Leadership Principles blog series is inspired by David's book "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." If you would like to receive this book, please go here.

We have two more days of leadership principles that I want to share with you. I learned these while playing under Coach Dean Smith at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Coach Smith would regularly tell us, "Make failure your friend." He knew that we would only be failures if, after messing up, we never tried again. This is especially true in our culture when so many practice what is called "cancel culture". It is so destructive and is creating a world where even the hint of a mistake becomes a source of fear instead of an invitation to something better. Before succeeding, Thomas Edison tried multiple times to invent the light bulb. He failed over and over. He purportedly kept saying, "Now I know many ways not to do it." Coach Smith lost many, many games before finally succeeding. As previously noted, he was hung in effigy by the student body – twice! But he never gave up. He persisted time and time again. Jesus emphasized the importance of persistence in Luke 18:1, encouraging his followers to not lose heart and always pray. He knew that persistence in prayer would yield results. Friends, failure is not the end of the game. Furthermore, someone else's label of you being a failure is not the end of the game. These are simple pathways to success and learning. Leaders, how are you doing with failure? Is it destructive for you or a learning mechanism to make you better? Does it send you to a place of despair where you feel paralyzed? Or do you use it to grow? Learn from Coach Smith. And I believe you will see tremendous victory as you continually learn to make failure your friend. Our Leadership Principles blog series is inspired by David's book "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." If you would like to receive this book, please go here.

While playing for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Coach Smith always led his teams with a deep commitment to character. He knew the importance of being the same in public and in private. At the beginning of his coaching tenure at UNC, Coach Smith was hung in effigy not once, but twice, by the student body. If you don't know what this means, the student body took a large life-size doll of Coach Smith, hung it up, and burned it. He wasn't successful enough with victories for them. After it happened the second time, he came back on the bus and said to the players, "Your reputation is what others think of you. Your character is what you think of yourself." He knew that he couldn't control what others thought of him. But he could control how he lived his life and if he could look in the mirror each day with a sense of satisfaction. For those of us who follow Jesus, tough times are when we must find our identity: in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We know who we are in him, who he says we are: a child of God (Galatians 4:7). Fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). More than a conqueror because of his love for us (Romans 8:37). Coach Smith reflected the biblical teachings of Proverbs 22:1 – he knew the importance of a good name. But he knew that even if others misrepresented him, his character, who he knew himself to be on the inside, he remained untouched. Coach Smith never gave up. He persisted toward his goals at UNC, never compromising his character. Over time, his commitment to building a good name and a program of character paid off. He won again and again and again. And Coach Dean Smith is now in college basketball's Hall of Fame. Personal character is a key leadership principle that leads to success. Our Leadership Principles blog series is inspired by David's book "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." If you would like to receive this book, please go here.

Proverbs 18:21 says that "life and death is in the tongue." Words are powerful in general. But there is a power in positive words that can lift someone out of the darkest pit and set them on a trajectory of hope. My college basketball coach, Dean Smith, knew the power of encouraging words. How many games he would encourage us to victory through his words! Even in the most dire of situations, he would keep giving us words of confidence and victory. In 1974, Carolina was playing Duke. Down by 8 with 17 seconds left on the clock. With each timeout and in the huddle, Coach Smith would encourage his team. He would tell his players what he believed they could do, and each thing he told them actually happened! He was like a prophet foretelling the future. Walter Davis ended up hitting a jump shot with one second left to send the game into overtime. UNC won in overtime. This is just one of many illustrations of Coach Smith's words giving life… and ultimately victory. Ezekiel 37 tells the story of the valley of dry bones. The Lord brought Ezekiel into a valley full of bones. Dead, lifeless bones. He told Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones and call them to life as a real time display of God's power and divinity. Ezekiel did as he was told and as he did, "there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone" (Ezekiel 37:7). He goes on to prophesy to the breath and as he did, "they came to life and stood up on their feet – a vast army" (Ezekiel 37:10b). What an incredible biblical account of how life and death really is in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). We are called as followers of Jesus to speak life over death. To release hope over hopeless situations. To encourage one another. This gives our broken world glimpses of the beautiful salvation that comes from Jesus. Leaders, do a word inventory in your current situation. How many positive words do you speak? Now, what about negative words? Have you created a culture of hope or one of despair with your words? May you lead in a way that calls dry bones to life, mobilizing a vast army for Jesus! Our Leadership Principles blog series is inspired by David's book "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." If you would like to receive this book, please go here.

Coach Dean Smith instilled many significant leadership principles into my life. I am sharing some of them with you over these two weeks. I hope they are especially meaningful as we experience March Madness. One of his principles was, "As individuals improve, the team improves." I went into Coach Smith's office after my sophomore year for my annual interview. I wanted to know how I could get more playing time. In asking him, I used the mantra I knew he would appreciate, "Coach, how can I help the team?" He looked at me and repeated my question back to me. "You want to help the team next year?" he asked. I nodded affirmatively. He responded, "Then become a better player." He knew the whole is only as strong as the individual parts. If I became better, the team would as well. He went on to give me a list of things I needed to do. Get stronger. Quicker. Faster. I took to heart every word he said. I even got on a weight program to give myself accountability for my personal growth and strength. Guess what? The next season, I got more playing time. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." Jesus offers the world an invitation to host his presence and to know his heart. If we accept this invitation, we become members of his team. But we must respond to his invitation. We have to open the door for him to enter! Leaders, are you extending invitations to those around you to improve? How are you helping them in their dreams? What are you offering them as resources to improve their work habits and personal goals? Remember this. As each individual around you is strengthened and improves, the whole team will too! It is an immutable leadership truth! Our Leadership Principles blog series is inspired by David's book "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." If you would like to receive this book, please go here.

It is so important that leaders develop immutable principles to live by as they lead, love, and serve those around them. I gleaned many of these priceless principles from Coach Dean Smith while playing for him at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Today's principle is this: Success requires a flexible vision. Proverbs 29:18 says vision is so important that without it, people perish. Vision, however, must stay nimble because times change. Personnel changes. The game changes. Coach Smith understood the importance of having a clear vision. "Play hard, play smart, and play together." That was his vision for every team he coached. Those words are written on the players' entrance and exit in the Dean Dome. Yet, Coach Smith also knew that he needed to guard flexibility within that vision. He was always adjusting. He knew how to pivot as needed to maintain a strong vision under which his players could thrive. He could adjust to the 30 second shot clock. To the three point line. To the stronger and better athletes. This enabled him to be an incredibly sharp and astute leader. All leaders must have a vision. But it needs to be flexible as times and people change. Coach Smith was the master of a flexible vision. Without a shot clock, he used the four corners of the court. With the shot clock, he developed another effective offense to get the ball in the hoop. In all his decades of coaching, he remained innovative. And he won! Leaders, is this you? Are you willing to change to maintain a compelling vision for those around you? When playing "offensively," do you know how to adjust to what is happening so you aren't easily tossed by the defensive strategies around you? When on "defense," do you know how to remain alert and aware of how to stop hindrances that keep you from winning in the game called life? Take inventory of your life and ask yourself if you have a flexible vision laid out for you and those around you. This will help everyone around you flourish, and not perish. Our Leadership Principles blog series is inspired by David's book "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." If you would like to receive this book, please go here.

The team before the individual. This leadership principle was ingrained from Coach Dean Smith to every member of the UNC basketball team. In fact, if I had to choose one mantra that drove Coach Smith, this would be it. It was always about the team. About unity. Being of one mind together. Coach Smith knew that if the team wasn't strong, it did not matter the success of individual players. This simple principle by which he lived is rooted in biblical truth. Philippians 2:2 says we are to be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." Ephesians 4:3 says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Under Coach Smith, if you scored a basket, you had to point to the person who gave you the pass. If you did not, you would be on the bench. Someone had to sacrifice the ball in order for the other player to score. Coach Smith wanted every one of his players, the fans in attendance, and all of those watching on national television to see who gave the pass and not just who scored the basket. To give credit where credit was due. To honor the behind the scenes role that led to visible success. To value the team before the individual. Coach Smith also said that if you dove on the floor for a loose ball, the closest player to you had to come and help you up. The one who sacrificed his body for a loose possession was to receive thanks and appreciation by the one closest to him. If Coach Smith noticed that someone did not do this, the entire team had to run the next day. As a leader, how are you doing developing a team? Are you thinking about the culture of the whole and not just the individual? In one-on-one interactions, are you considering how decisions affect the team and not just the person with whom you are dealing? Leaders are always intentional about creating a strong, unified, healthy team. Our Leadership Principles blog series is inspired by David's book "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." If you would like to receive this book, please go here.

Friends are forever. This is the next leadership principle I learned playing under Coach Dean Smith. When I first arrived on the campus of UNC as a freshman, there was a tremendous awe surrounding Coach Smith and the program. I will never forget the emotions I felt stepping onto that basketball court for the first time, hearing him blow that first whistle, and watching him lead a perfectly timed two hour practice. However, as time passed, and especially after I graduated, I moved from this awe to deep and abiding friendship. A friendship I could ask anything of. Let me share this story of a time when Coach Smith was a friend. My son David was 13 years old. He suffered a terrible knee injury. His dream was to play college basketball and, as you can imagine, this was a blow not just to his body, but to his heart. Trying to encourage him, I called Coach Smith and asked if he would be willing to contact David and give him hope that he could recover and play again. The next day, Coach Smith called David and spent around 20 minutes encouraging him that he could overcome this setback. Oh. By the way, guess what the first words were that came out of Coach Smith's mouth? "David, how are your grades?" He was always more concerned with his players' academics and with their personal character than athletics! That's how he began his conversation with David. David got off that phone call with a lift in his spirits, a renewed hope, and encouragement for the hard road ahead. As a leader, how are you doing being a friend to your co-workers? Do they feel cared for and valued? Do you make an effort to be a voice of encouragement to them outside of their role in your company or on your team? Jesus taught that we exist to serve others, not use them (Mark 10:45). Be a friend. Seek to serve. Give your life away. Use your gifts as a leader to bless other people. Our Leadership Principles blog series is inspired by David's book "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." If you would like to receive this book, please go here.

Over the next two weeks, as the nation enjoys March Madness, I am sharing some of the leadership principles I learned while playing basketball for Coach Dean Smith. I took so much of what he taught me and put it in a book called "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." Today's leadership principle is this: Loyalty best prospers in a family environment. In so many ways, Coach Smith was like a second father to his players, instilling wisdom and perspective into the young men he coached. He made us feel like a family, which is why the UNC lettermen who played for Coach Smith are members of "the family." Coach Smith was the surrogate father. We were brothers in "the family." Whenever his players meet one another, even if from different decades, we feel an immediate connection. We are all a part of "the family." James Worthy played basketball under Coach Smith and was a great All-American and NBA star. When I wrote the book on Coach Smith, I contacted Worthy for an interview. He immediately responded with this response: "Anything for a member of the family." The culture of family was woven into the fabric of Carolina basketball. Coach Smith knew that if he created a healthy family environment, everyone would prosper no matter what role they played. Let me ask you this. In the environments where you have been called to lead, how are you doing with creating a family environment among those who work with you? Do they love one another? Do they feel secure under your leadership? Do you see qualities of a healthy family? Things like grace and truth, forgiveness, and open communication. Do they see the fruit of the spirit in you? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Are you as a leader producing this fruit in them? Take inventory of your personal life and leadership. Seek to create a family environment. It's where loyalty best prospers! Our Leadership Principles blog series is inspired by David's book "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." If you would like to receive this book, please go here.

Our Leadership Principles blog series is inspired by David's book "It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith." If you would like to receive this book, please go here. Loyalty. Defined as "a strong feeling of support or allegiance." Synonymous with words like faithfulness, devotion, dedication, commitment. The law of reciprocity says whatever you give out, you get back. My mom used to say it this way, "If you want to have friends, be a friend!" This law is expressed in God's original intent and design for humanity. You reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7). Draw near to God and he will draw near to you (James 4:8). In fact, Jesus himself said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7). He knew that if you extend mercy to others you will receive mercy in return when you need it. So if we were to think of the reciprocal law of loyalty in the same way, it would be something like this: if you want to experience the loyalty of others, be loyal. I had the honor to play basketball for Coach Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was one of the best leaders ever to walk the planet. He instilled so much wisdom into his players that I have carried into my life. In fact, I wrote a book exploring the leadership principles I learned from him entitled, "It's How You Play the Game." Over the next two weeks, I want to share some of the leadership principles that Coach Smith taught me with you. Coach Smith cared more for you as a person than a player. He lived out the reciprocal law of loyalty. He wrote players a personal note every single Christmas. That's dozens of personal letters over 36 years of coaching. He was always available for a phone call to help you, even if you played for him twenty years ago. In his will after his death, he even left each one of his lettermen a check for $200. The letter to each of us told us to have "dinner on me." Do you want to know what made his players play so hard for Coach Smith? We knew how committed he was to us. And we returned that commitment to him on the court. Chances are there is somewhere in your life where you are a leader. You may lead your family, your children, a company, a client, or some other initiative. As a leader, how are you doing with loyalty? Are you devoted? Are you faithful? If you aren't doing these things, today is a new day! You can change and begin to sow seeds of loyalty to those around you. Then watch as you begin to reap what you sow!

by Marilynn Chadwick Honor is not a subject you hear much about these days. If anything, we've become much more accustomed to disrespect and dishonor. The urban slang for disrespect, or "dis," has made its way into everyday language. Most any child can tell you what it means to "dis" someone. Or worse, to be "dissed." Honor. Simply put, the word means to treat someone with respect or admiration. It has to do with qualities like honesty, integrity and dignity. The biblical version of honor is much weightier. Lofty. It speaks to the precious worth of the person being honored and is related to words like glory, worship or prize. Most of us yearn to be treated with respect. We benefit not only from receiving honor but also from giving it to others. God set the bar low so that even a child can show honor. "Honor your father and mother" - which is the first commandment with a promise - "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth" (Ephesians 6:2-3). You might call this the "the training wheels of honor" (Exodus 20:12). When children honor their earthly parents, they begin to grasp what it means to honor their heavenly Father. Perhaps it's time to recapture this age-old virtue. We can start by honoring God. But let's do so with a sense of expectancy. For God Himself makes this bold promise: "Those who honor me, I will honor" (1 Samuel 2:30). In Genesis 2:18, God created us to be our husband's helper, or ezer, a source of rock-like strength and support. But we can also choose to use that ezer strength to work against our husband, robbing him of strength and confidence. I've wondered whether we've lost sight of the importance of respect. Perhaps a lack of honor could be at the core of many divorces. Honor doesn't just happen. It goes against the grain of our culture. Disrespect, on the other hand, takes very little energy. It's the path of least resistance. Honor is a narrow road. It requires strength and intentionality. I've never forgotten this tidbit of common-sense wisdom from a dear friend who had been married for over sixty years. It went something like this: "Don't be afraid to be the one who loves the most." The same could be said of honor. Don't be afraid to be the one who honors the most. As we have been learning to honor our husbands and restore honor in the home, I want to leave you with this challenge. Dare to take the first step by honoring your husband even before he honors you.

by Marilynn Chadwick "I don't enjoy going to lunch with my work friends anymore," my young friend confided over coffee. "The conversation always turns into husband bashing." Her own marriage wasn't perfect, she admitted. "I'm a very transparent person," she smiled. "So I try to be real. But I don't want to dishonor my husband. And I want my friends to know I truly love being married to him." As we talked, she came to the conclusion that it was okay for her to be honest with her friends about some of her own marriage struggles. She could share a few of the positive ways she and her husband have discovered to work through their issues. But she resolved to do this in a manner that would honor both Christ and her husband. I loved my friend's heart for her husband and for the Lord. Knowing her as I do, she'll be a winsome witness to her friends about what it means to have a godly marriage. And more importantly, what it means to follow Christ. That conversation was just one of many I've had with women of all ages while writing Eight Great Ways to Honor Your Husband. I yearn to help wives reclaim the lost art of honoring their husbands. Perhaps it's time to take a fresh look at this age-old virtue. We can start by honoring God. "Those who honor me, I will honor" (1 Samuel 2:30). Then, let's explore practical ways to honor our husbands. Remember, the world is watching us. And deep down, I believe they're thirsty for honor - especially honor in marriage. The tone I set in our home when I honor my husband inspires our children to honor him and each other. It feels good to get respect. To be honored. But it also feels incredibly good to honor someone else. We find that as we give honor, we get it back. But giving honor, especially in a world which has largely forgotten this concept, doesn't come easy. It takes practice. I've learned that home is a wonderful laboratory for cultivating honor. My hope is that the culture of honor we create will spill over into the culture around us. I believe our world today is thirsty for honor.

by Marilynn Chadwick Dream big together! It's the next tip for learning to honor our husbands. I honor my husband when I share his dreams. When I work to help him accomplish his dreams, my dreams are also fulfilled. Not too long into our marriage, I realized that God's economy is different from mine. When doing things God's way, I often get back the very thing I give away. I help David reach his goals and dreams. Then he helps me reach mine. A wonderful rhythm develops. A mutuality. Together, we've also learned that when we give our life away, especially to the lost and broken of this world, God pours grace and honor back into our own lives. As you dream big and pursue adventure together, you often find heroes in the most unlikely places. Ordinary people living quiet, faithful lives - in my book, these are the real heroes. A while back, David and I adventured to our nation's capital. We met with influential men and women faithfully serving our country. We took tours of the capitol, awed by the courageous faith of our Founding Fathers. Their names are written in history - their impact will last for generations. But for me, the real hero showed up - of all places - in a taxi cab. Our driver was a gentle, friendly man with an east African accent. I noticed the prominent cross on his dashboard. He talked about his 33 years driving a cab. His three kids had all graduated from fine colleges, he boasted, with that dad-kind-of-pride. All had prestigious jobs working in DC. "You must have done some pretty good parenting," I commented. "What's your secret?" "My secret," he laughed, "is America." "In America, if you're willing to work hard, you can reach your dream." "There are some who might disagree," I replied. "Hmmm," he paused, "then they have never lived in another country." See, he had fled the severe persecution of Christians in Eritrea. He went on to say quietly, "People here don't know what it's like to not have freedom." When he was a much younger man, he had been educated as an accountant back in Eritea. But since coming to America, he has worked as a cab driver. Day after day. Month after month. Year after year. He was well past his prime. As David and I were on our own adventure as a result of dreaming big together, I knew we'd been with a true hero that day. Someone who dreamed big and provided freedom for his family. And a man of honor.

by Marilynn Chadwick Peace is a priority in our home. A peaceful home refreshes and blesses the family. Today's world is busy and noisy. How can I lighten my husband's load and his heart? Help him have fun? I've learned that simple habits, like taking a day off together each week, honor him by allowing him to be refreshed. We're also intentional about family vacations. Doing so has allowed us to sustain our busy schedules. We find we can then return to the fray strengthened and with renewed enthusiasm. But sometimes, peace doesn't come without a fight. If I'm serious about "waging peace," it helps to know my enemy. You know what I have found is the quickest way to rob peace in the home? Worry. Anxiety can drain my energy and quench calm faster than just about anything. What's more, it's contagious. When the kids were small, if I became worried, they seemed to absorb my anxiety and become fretful. Worry is also exhausting. I agree with a friend who coined this acronym for W-O-R-R-Y: Worry Only Robs Rest from You. Worry says loud and clear that I don't trust God. But when I refuse to be anxious, when I trust God and remain peaceful, I create a climate of peace. I have to confess I grew up as a world-class worrier. There were times early in our marriage when fear held me in its grip. Fear of storms, fear of intruders, fear of illness, fear of flying. You name it - I probably wrestled with it. But I've learned to be ruthless. Through the promises in God's Word, lots of prayer, and putting my faith into action, I have wrestled most of my fears to the ground. I'm not completely worry-free, but I can tell you I no longer feel like a prisoner to fear. These twin invaders, fear and anxiety, can wreak havoc on a home and a marriage. God doesn't treat fear and worry as small things. He tells us to cast all your anxiety on him "because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). He commands us to "have no fear." To "be anxious for nothing" (Philippians 4:6 NKJV). As with any stubborn problem, the first step is to confront anxiety head-on and call it out for the enemy that it is. We may find that our repentance is soon followed by times of refreshing and revival. And a peace that passes all understanding! Wage peace in the home! Don't worry! Or as I would tell my daughter Bethany as she was growing up, "It'd be better to be dead than to live in dread." I think this fight for peace honors our husbands, and makes life more fun in the process.

by Marilynn Chadwick If you were to ask me what's the single most important thing you can do to honor your husband, I would simply say: Pray for him. Pray like you mean it. Pray like you believe God works through your prayers. And make prayer for your husband a priority. I have seen many wives' prayers encourage husbands who are already following Jesus. And I have seen prayer soften the hearts of men who have rejected God. I am mystified as to why prayer works when words fall short. I just know it does. Prayer is a weapon that can be used to usher in powerful things for your husband's life and for your life as well. Pray with confidence, knowing if you are asking for something according to his will, he hears us (1 John 5:14). My dear friend Jane prayed for years for her husband to accept Christ. He continued to resist the gospel. My friend was wise. She refused to nag. But she did set aside 15 minutes to pray for her husband every morning. I don't know how long Jane prayed for him. But, some time later, I watched in amazement as her husband walked forward to accept Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade in our city. During the invitation, I happened to glance to my right. I was startled to see this man who had stiff-armed God! There he was, wife by his side, resolutely heading to the front of the arena where he gave his life to Jesus Christ once and for all. The ripple effect of that one influential man's devotion to Christ was powerful. The impact he had on his family and community is evident to this day. All because of the quiet witness and faithful prayers of a strong wife. Like my husband always says, "If you don't love Jesus and you have a praying wife or a praying mother, look out - you're toast!" Pray consistently. Pray fervently. Pray like you mean it. Then watch as God moves in the heart of your husband and your home.

by Marilynn Chadwick Deep within the heart of every good woman lives a warrior. Her fierce love can make even the most timid woman do courageous things. Watch out for a woman who is fighting for someone she loves. I have discovered that honoring my husband in today's culture requires me to fight for him. We have an enemy. Not just of our soul, but also of our marriage. In addition to waging a war with the devil, our battle for a strong marriage is also against our own selfish tendencies. Sometimes the best way to fight to honor our husbands is by going against the grain of our flesh. As I do this, I resist a worldly mindset that degrades and disrespects marriage. My friend Ange is from Rwanda. Gentle and soft-spoken, Ange is a shining example of a woman who honored her husband by fighting for him. Ange was in high school when the horrific Rwandan genocide broke out in 1994. She and Emanuel fled on foot. Soldiers attacked their refugee camp. Ange and Emanuel got separated as they ran for their lives. She searched frantically for him, hiding in the forest with no clean water, food, or shelter. Ange made her way to Kenya. She looked everywhere for Emanuel. Eventually she enrolled in Bible college while she continued her search. For eight years! Even her closest friends tried to persuade Ange to accept that Emanuel was dead—and to remarry. But Ange sensed the Holy Spirit was whispering to keep on fighting and to believe that Emanuel was still alive. Her lifeline became, "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame" (Romans 5:3-5a). While listening to a radio program which helped find missing family members after the war, she heard the amazing news that Emanuel was alive. "It was like a dream!" she exclaimed. "I stayed up all night praising and thanking God!" After eight long years, Ange and Emanuel were finally reunited - all because of a wife who kept fighting for her husband. I can best fight for my husband and honor our marriage most powerfully by fighting my flesh and by interceding for him in prayer. Choose to do the same. The fight is worth it!

by Marilynn Chadwick "Let the wife see that she respects her husband" (Ephesians 5:33). I have been inspired by what the Bible teaches us about honor. As a result, I have tried to be more intentional about showing honor to David. However, I've come face to face with an important realization: Honor demands far more from me than simply submission. Please understand. I fully appreciate submission in marriage as part of the biblical framework of love and respect. But to truly honor my husband, I have to set the bar much higher than submission. Honor requires self-sacrifice. Humility. It challenges me to bridle not just my words, but also my thoughts. It makes me bite my tongue. Honor confronts me with my sin. It forces me to see everything that gets in the way of me giving my best. I can choose to build up my husband or to break him down. This plays out with the words I speak to him and the words I speak about him. I must use my words to encourage his leadership to flourish within our family. For example, the words I speak to our children influence what they think about their dad. Same with outsiders. Careless words can tarnish his reputation in the eyes of others. Proverbs 14:1 reminds us that a wise woman "builds her house," but a foolish one "tears it down." As wives, we sometimes forget the weight our words carry. Showing respect is vital to any healthy marriage. But when it comes to honoring our husbands, it helps to understand that no two marriages or men are exactly alike. Words and actions that make my husband feel honored and respected might go right over the head of your husband. But this truth is consistent, if I want to honor David, I have to become honorable myself. Same holds true for you. So in this way, honor conforms all of us to the image of Christ. Honor requires a strong walk with the Lord. I guess you could say that to truly honor my husband, I must give my best to cultivate a heart of honor. Honor, even more than submission, is an imposing benchmark. It's a sublimely powerful target. For if I take aim and hit the bullseye of honor, I am probably covering all the other virtues that make for a strong marriage. Honor him by giving him your best!

by Marilynn Chadwick Honor may be best expressed through word and deed, but it begins in my mind. What I think about my husband determines whether my words and actions will honor him. In fact, what we believe about our husbands can make or break our marriages. We must believe the best. For me, this means that as a wife, I value and respect David, believing in him even more than he believes in himself. I can choose how I think about my husband. Either with a lens of criticism and cynicism or with a lens of respect and honor. Do I respect him? Appreciate him? Do I focus on his strengths and downplay his weaknesses? Do I take time to reflect on the many ways he sacrifices for our family? Am I there for him to support and strengthen him, especially when he feels weak? In short, am I thankful for him? Over the years, I've noticed a common theme in the marriages I've grown to admire. The spouses seem to be intentional about interpreting each other in a positive light. The wives speak about their husbands with respect. The husbands find ways to honor their wives. It's clear they treasure and appreciate their partner. In short, they believe the best about each other, and it shows. Turns out there's some research to back up this observation. Author and longtime Gallup poll associate Marcus Buckingham surveyed thousands of married couples to discover the traits at the core of good marriages. He found something intriguing. The common thread running through happy marriages was this: In the most successful marriages, each partner rated the other person higher than that person rated him or herself. Choose to honor. Make the intentional decision to be transformed by renewing your mind (Romans 12:2). Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Believe the best about your husband and watch as honor increases in your marriage.

by Marilynn Chadwick It's important to understand honor as a biblical concept, shedding light on our God-given roles as husband and wife. In college, I was an atheist with strong feminist leanings. After I became a follower of Christ, it was God's Word which opened my eyes to His beautiful and somewhat mysterious plan for marriage. Everything God created was good. But He looked at Adam and said, "It is not good for the man to be alone." Something was missing. So God said: "I will make a helper suitable for him" (Genesis 2:18). God created woman from man - from his same substance: "So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs …Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man…" (Genesis 2:20-24). Marriage was God's gift to humanity. Eve was Adam's companion, but the Bible also calls her his helper. In Hebrew, "helper," or ezer, means "to support." It's a combination of two roots: "to rescue, to save," and "to be strong." The word ezer in the Bible most often refers to God as the helper, usually in times of danger or battle. Are you an ezer to your husband? The word ezer is also closely related to the word for rock. I honor David when I'm strong like a rock in my walk with the Lord. Strengthen your heart with the Word of God, prayer, spiritual disciplines, and biblical community. In the process, I hope you'll see that being a strong woman of God, while also submitting to your husband's spiritual leadership, go hand in hand. As wives, we respond best to our husbands' spiritual leadership when we trust God and His design for our marriage. When you grasp what it means to be an ezer, you begin to get an image of your role as a rock, not a doormat. Your challenge is to become strong so that you are a source of strength for a husband who will sometimes be weak. I've learned that an important part of showing honor to a strong husband like David is to be his "rock of support" when everything around him feels like it's crashing down. Think about what it means to be strong like a "rock" for our husbands, families, and communities. Lord knows we need more women who are willing to live strong as ezers in this hurting and broken world.

by Marilynn Chadwick What is honor and why is it important? To honor someone is to treat them with admiration or respect. Honor conveys dignity, honesty, and integrity. Several years ago my husband's beloved college basketball coach, North Carolina's legendary Dean Smith, passed away. Next to his own father, David says Coach Smith was the most significant man in his life. Even superstar Michael Jordan called Coach Smith his "second father." Why? Because along with great basketball, Coach Smith taught his players about life. When I first met my basketball player-turned-preacher husband, I was a University of Georgia girl and a die-hard football fan. Basketball, not so much. But I loved David, and I grew to love basketball. Soon after we got married, Coach Smith sent me a handwritten note welcoming me to the "Carolina Family." He always remembered my alma mater and my college major. He knew our children by name. Seriously. Who does that? After Coach Smith's passing, I was able to write an editorial honoring my husband's legendary basketball coach. Responses to my article, some from well-known leaders in our community, caused me to wonder if our culture is thirsty for honor. Public reaction to Dean Smith's passing seemed to convey a nostalgic yearning for role models, for dads, for men of honor. In fact, a prominent defense attorney in our community sent me a handwritten note sharing how his own dad had been such an honorable man. A federal judge and a bank president both weighed in on the subject of honor. Young moms wrote to tell me about their "amazing husbands" and vowed to be more intentional to honor them. Had I touched a nerve? Maybe it's because honor is lacking in our homes. Families today are in trouble. Studies show that 70% of divorces are now initiated by women. Honor was God's idea in the first place—especially in marriage. No wonder we're thirsty for this sometimes-forgotten virtue. What would happen if we sparked a movement of honor in our homes, our communities, and our world? Over the next two weeks, we will explore honor from a biblical point of view; specifically addressing wives. I want to give every wife 8 practical tips on how you can begin to honor your husband and create a culture of honor in your home. My dream is that together, we really could see a movement of honor that would spill over into a hurting and broken world.

Remember the definition of honor: "to regard with great respect, to prize, to admire, to give special recognition, to demonstrate high respect or great esteem for someone." What a rich and powerful word! I have spent the past two weeks giving husbands tools for how they can honor their wives. We wrap up our journey today. I pray these "8 Greats" give you practical ways to interact with your wife and bring honor into your marriage. By the way, next week Marilynn will do the same with you wives: 8 Great ways to honor your husbands. We see the theme of honor interwoven throughout the Bible (Exodus 20:12, Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 3:7). It is clearly important to the heart of the Father. Let's look back on the "8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife." Trust Her Gut Be a Man of God Encourage Her Gifts Respect Her Opinion Ask This Question Often: "How is Your Heart?" Share Your Heart Be a Guardian and Gardener Use Words Wisely I believe that if you lead the way and start to put these tools into practice, you will see a culture of honor increase in your marriage and your home. Romans 12:10 says, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." It's the one place in the Bible where we are called to compete with one another: in giving honor! Imagine what will happen if you and your wife begin to try and outdo one another in honor. Love will increase. The home will get healthier. Jesus will be glorified. The goal of marriage is to see two very different, unique, special individuals become one. As two become one, biblical marriage becomes the most beautiful reflection of the love between Jesus Christ and the bride. Let's reclaim honor in our marriages! It is essential to accomplishing this goal of two becoming one and seeing the Gospel of Jesus displayed through our lives.

Marilynn and I have coined what we call "8 Greats" for different areas of our lives that require practical, biblical wisdom. We are spending two weeks looking at 8 great ways husbands can honor their wives. Husbands, today's tool is this: use words wisely! Words are powerful. Proverbs 18:21 says "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." Words can do damage or they can bring healing (Proverbs 12:18). In fact, Proverbs 16:24 says, "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." I want to see a generation of men rise up who know how to rightly use their words. To be wise voices who bring perspective and healing. Do you remember hearing the ridiculous phrase, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."? What a lie! Words hurt. They sting. And are long remembered. Speak words of life to your beloved. Things like, "I am so honored to be your husband." Then, say this publicly before others and it will really get you brownie points. Tell her, "I am never leaving you." "Thank you for marrying me." "I am so grateful for all you do for me." If you have never said anything like this before to your bride, try it today! Take one or two of these examples I have given you and use them. Watch what happens! Where you have felt distance, there will be closeness. Where disappointments have been commonplace, hope will return. Then watch as you two become one!

Husbands, I am spending these two weeks focused on you. I want you to walk away with 8 great, practical ways to honor your wives and help your marriage be all that God wants it to be. We live in a world where marriages are falling apart. But God has given us tools to cultivate strong and lasting marriages. He wants to see healthy homes that are glorifying God together! Here is today's tool for you, husbands: Be a guardian and a gardener. You are a GUARDIAN. Called by God to protect your home from evil influences. From people to social media to television shows to movies to music, there are destructive forces in the world that want to destroy your family and defile the name of God. You must ask yourself regularly, "Does this bring glory to God the Father or does it curse his name?" If it doesn't praise Jesus and bring glory to the Father, call it out and cut it off! Lukewarm Christianity is not acceptable in God's eyes. In fact, Revelation 3:16 says, "So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." God is very serious about holiness. As the guardian of your home, husbands, build and walk your family's wall. Watch for danger. Make sure it's protected at all times. When something is not right, speak up! Fight for your family's health and safety. And give your wife the freedom to do so as well. You are also a GARDENER. Sprinkle healthy nutrients into your family's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Tend to the needs of each person's heart. Make sure grace is in place. Make sure love conquers all. Forgive. Ask for forgiveness. Speak words of encouragement and hope. Show a spirit of perseverance. Be the spiritual leader of your home. What does this mean? Simply initiate spiritual health and life. Initiate prayer. Lead the way in having your family worship together both in the home and at church. And as your wife sees you doing this, she will feel honored and you'll become one!

We are looking at 8 great ways husbands can honor their wives. I want every husband to have a large assortment of tools that he can use to strengthen closeness with his wife. Today's tool: share your heart! As you practice asking yesterday's question to your beloved, "How is your heart?", make sure you share your heart with her as well. There is nothing that a wife hates more than to feel like she is being transparent with a husband who seemingly doesn't struggle with a thing. Husbands, don't stuff your feelings. It's not good for you, it's not good for your health, it's not good for your marriage. It stifles honor! Genesis 2:18 says, "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him a helper fit for him.'" The word here for helper is "ezer." Your wife is designed to be your helper. But she can't be that for you if you don't let her. Tell her what you need. Expect her to respond with help. You two are meant to complement each other. The Bible is full of verses that speak to the power of two and of living out the Gospel with another. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow." Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." James 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." You two are stronger together than you are apart. Ask her to share her heart. Share yours. Pray for one another. Yes, even if it feels uncomfortable. Nothing is easy when you first begin, but over time you will find it much easier to share with one another and pray for each other. And the most amazing reality will occur; the two become one!

I am sharing "8 Greats" for how you, husbands, can honor your wives. Each day, I am giving men a new tool for your toolbox. God wants to give you simple solutions. We know this because Jesus says in Matthew 11:30, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." If this is true, which we know it is, then we have to take him at his word. He came to set captives free (Isaiah 61:1). Here is today's tool. Ask your wife this question often: "How is your heart?" After all, the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Everything flows from your heart. If your heart is broken or crushed, it will affect the rest of your life. Jesus furthers this teaching in Mark 7:20-23. He knew that what is inside a person will ultimately be what defiles them: "Evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness." Husbands, you may very well be the instrument God uses to unclog the well of your wife's heart by asking this simple question. Try to figure out what is going on in your beloved's heart. It may take some time, but remember, she is worth it. Listen to what she says. Take note. Then spend time together praying into what she shares. Pray Scripture over her that aligns with where her heart feels broken or crushed. Is coveting stuffed inside? Read Psalm 90:14. Envy? Try Proverbs 14:30. Slander? Read Proverbs 16:24. And so on and so forth. This will wash her with the water of the word (Ephesians 5:26). Asking this question, "How is your heart?" and responding with tenderness and the truths of God's word will honor your wife. It will draw you two closer together as one flesh: the goal of all marriage!

We are taking two weeks to look at 8 great ways that husbands can honor their wives. When honor is in the foundation of a marriage, God is honored. Both people thrive. And the family gets healthier. In God's original intent for marriage, a husband and wife become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). A reflection of his nature and character. A demonstration of the love Jesus has for the church - his bride. Because a husband and wife are one flesh, God often uses a wife to speak into his will for the husband. A wife's insights are to be heard and cherished. The tool for today: respect her opinion. Wives need to be heard, honored, and respected. A wife's voice should be valued and prized. She, too, is made in the image of God and carries perspectives of his heart. You, as a husband, are called in Ephesians 5:25-27 to love your wife. To give yourself up for her. To cleanse her by giving her a consistent depiction of Jesus. I once told my wife Marilynn, "I'd be willing to die for you." She quickly responded, "That's great! Just make sure you also are willing to live for me as well." Great point! Husbands should listen to what their wives have to say and consider their suggestions. This will help her feel loved. There are many different ways to say, "I love you" to your wife with more than mere words. Sometimes it's through loving touch. Other times by listening to her heart and dreams. It's by building memories and having fun together. And, at times, it's by respecting her opinion. Choose to seek out her opinion and respect it. Value it. Cherish it. Ask her for it. On matters great and small. If what she is suggesting aligns with what is the obvious right thing to do, do it. This is a great way to increase closeness, intimacy and oneness.

I want to see biblical manhood reflected in the church. I want husbands to know how to honor their wives, creating strong marriages. I want to see strong, healthy families who love the Lord with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength. I believe a strong family starts with a strong marriage. And a strong marriage starts with humble men who know how to honor their wives. We are looking at 8 great ways for husbands to develop a culture of honor with their wives. Here is the next tool: encourage her gifts! Your wife has a call from God that he has given her to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10). There is a call from God inside of her that only she can do. It is different from yours. Help her find out what that work is. Then, help her do it. Study her. Watch what she loves to do. Ask her what she loves to do. Maybe start with some simple questions like, "What brings you life?" or "What sucks the life out of you?" Then take some time to dream with her. See what God has put inside of her. And then help her accomplish it. For example, my wife Marilynn loves to learn. I have always known that. So, when she approaches me with opportunities for further learning and study, I want to do whatever I can to support her in making that happen! In the 1990's, I watched her earn a Master's in Human Development and a master's from a local university. Within the last year, she received a Master's in Theology from Duke University – and, yes, summa cum laude in both degrees (I'm bragging, but so proud!). I have also loved seeing her use these gifts in teaching, which is her primary passion. Husbands, as you set your wives up to win and encourage the flourishing of her gifts, it helps you become closer and closer. And yet another tool to foster honor and for two to become one!

A toolbox packed full of different tools gives someone the confidence to step into a variety of situations and bring a solution. If you only have a "hammer" and you find a situation that needs a "screwdriver," you will not get very far. Over the next two weeks, we are exploring 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife. I want to give you, husbands, tools to strengthen your marriage. My prayer is that God strengthens your marriage as you put these "8 Greats" into practice in your home. Today's tool: be a man of God! This is an absolute must for all husbands. You are to be an earthly example of Jesus to your bride. True biblical manhood is a blend of tough and tender. In the Bible, David is referred to as a man after God's own heart. A humble worshiper and a valiant warrior. A beloved shepherd and a giant slayer. As you strengthen your relationship with Jesus, growing in your biblical manhood, your wife will trust you more and more. Your daily pursuit of God will bring honor to her. She will want to honor you as you honor Jesus. In turn, your marriage will bring honor to the Lord. When a husband's faith is lived out in the home as a humble worshiper, a forgiven forgiver, and a strong leader with bridled power (Galatians 5:25), the wife will experience the blessing of his pursuit of Jesus. A wife can easily appreciate and honor a husband who lives under the control of the Holy Spirit, who crucifies the lusts of the flesh, who is self-controlled, and who lives a disciplined life. This is also so important in seeing a man and a woman become one.

As we are coming off Valentine's Day, where commercialized love is rampant, I want to teach you principles for developing biblical love and honor within a marriage. I love pithy statements that help to easily remember things. Marilynn and I have found the term "8 Great" to be a very easy way to remember Godly principles for different areas of life. Over the next two weeks, I want to share 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife. Each day, I am going to give you, husbands, a new tool that you can put in your tool belt. Different situations require different tools and my prayer is that you will become more equipped to lead and love your wife with HONOR. Here is the first tool: trust her gut! It's almost as if wives have been given an early warning radar system by God. They can sense danger for their husbands from a mile away. Genesis 2:24 says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." As two become one, a wife's heart increasingly feels for her husband's heart. And wants his heart to be completely protected. I have so many examples of times I can look back on and see that Marilynn was exactly correct in her intuitions about certain situations and people. If I had listened to her more carefully, I could have avoided some pain. My Marilynn's prayer walk is deep and rich. I can trust she is hearing God's voice (John 10:27). And like God, I know she is FOR me (Romans 8:31). Husbands, listen to your wives. Honor her warnings. It will greatly aid in you both becoming one.

Honor. Such a powerful word. To honor is defined as this: "to regard with great respect, to prize, to admire, to give special recognition, to demonstrate high respect or great esteem for someone." In historical biblical culture, the word "honor" carried tremendous weight. Even today, there are cultures around the world that place a high value on honor. In God's original intent, honor is a tool to bestow on one another, to bless, to prefer someone else over ourselves. Unfortunately, in the modern American Christian culture, people seem to gravitate to one of two extremes regarding honor. It's either overused or missing in action, not used at all. Neither extreme is biblical. Biblical honor does not demand artificial respect to cover up someone's deeper insecurities or evil agendas. Biblical honor does, however, create an atmosphere of respect, rooted in the word of God, where leadership is revered and everyone can flourish. From the call to honor parents in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12) to Paul's desire that all Christians honor one another (Romans 12:10) to husbands commanded by Peter to honor their wives (1 Peter 3:7), honor is interwoven throughout all of Scripture. For the next two weeks, we are going to look specifically at how husbands can and should honor their wives. If you are single, take notes and begin to train your mind and your heart, even now, with things that could bless a future marriage. If you are married, start to put these principles into practice in your daily lives. The goal is for two to become one (Genesis 2:24). And honor is a great tool God has put in the hands of husbands to help this take place.

We are wrapping up our journey of learning how to pray. Each day, you have been given a different key to open a new door that you may have never opened before in your prayer life. This week has been all about the Lord's Prayer. Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. We are going line by line, using each line as another key. Continuing to learn how to pray, here is your last key: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you away from temptations. To guard your steps. To govern your decision making. Like a good Father would, God knows the places that can so easily ensnare you. He wants to help you avoid them in the first place. "Evil" here could actually be a direct object: "the evil one." Meaning Satan. The master manipulator and father of lies, who studies you regularly to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). He lays traps for you to catch you. Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you away from his traps. But, should you ever become ensnared, go to the cross. Experience anew the power of the blood of Jesus. Share your freedom in Christ with others. Revelation 12:11 says that through the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony, we conquer the enemy. By speaking and praying in the power of the NAME of Jesus, we regain the power. How the enemy hates it when we do this. Galatians 5:1 reminds us that Jesus wants us to be free in Christ. And when you pray for his forgiveness and love and grace over your life, every chain is broken! As you practice each one of these lines from the Lord's Prayer each day for a week, you'll find that you have more than enough to pray for and that you can spend an hour in prayer without even thinking twice! I pray you walk away from these two weeks more confident in how to pray and with keys to open up spiritual doors into the presence of God.

We are learning how to pray. The Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 is the recipe for prayer. Each line is another key I want to give you to unlock another spiritual door of understanding. Today's key is this: "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." In order for prayer to be powerful, we must forgive. It is not optional. Chances are, if you have lived any amount of life, you see why Jesus included this as a regular part of your time in prayer. Forgiveness begins with going back to the Cross. The Cross represents God's forgiveness of our $1 billion debt. A deep and profound understanding of just how much he forgave us should allow us to freely extend forgiveness for the comparatively $10 debt someone else may owe us. If we don't forgive, it blocks God's power to answer our prayers. The stagnate place of our unforgiveness allows bitterness to fester and take root, leaving us vulnerable to the enemy's tactics. A lack of forgiveness is like a dam built up to hold back a flowing body of water. It stops movement. It stops progress. It stops the flow of God in and through us. Spend some time today thinking about who has hurt you. If you need to write down their names one by one, do so. Tell the Father what has hurt you and then forgive. Give them to God. Both for their sake and for your sake. Forgiveness sets you free! And it allows God's power to move through you freely, without limitation. If you have never practiced forgiveness before, try it. God wants you to be without offense in order to be free to serve others. Without any burdens and with a joyful heart. Such is the Father's will for us all.

Jesus used the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 to guide his disciples in how to pray. Each line is another key I want to hand you for how to pray. We first enter into the presence of God with deep awareness and appreciation for both his Fatherly love and his divine holiness. We then ask with boldness and confidence for heaven to come to earth. We want to partner with his heart and will for this broken world. The next key is this: "Give us this day our daily bread." What are your needs today? What is troubling your heart? Where are you lacking? In Jesus' day, people did not have refrigerators or freezers. This term "daily bread" was basically a shopping list for the day. If you were to take a moment and write out a "shopping list" of things you needed to pick up, both literally or figuratively, what would you need? Hope? Food? Energy? Perspective? Money? Take a moment and make a list of your "daily bread" needs for today. The Bible says that tomorrow has enough worries of its own and we should not be anxious about those things (Matthew 6:34). In fact, no one is even guaranteed tomorrow. We must live for today. Ask Daddy in heaven to supply your every need TODAY. He promises that he will. He gave manna to the Israelites as they wandered through the wilderness for 40 years (Exodus 16:35)! He has provision for your needs as well. God is faithful! Ask him to show his faithfulness to you today. Chances are, he will do exceedingly more than that. Ephesians 3:20 says God "is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think." As you ask him for your "daily bread," know his heart is to give you that and more.

We are continuing to learn how to pray. The Lord's Prayer is the guide Jesus gave his disciples when they asked him how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13). It will help guide us, too. Each line is another key for how to unlock spiritual doors and enter into the presence of our Daddy in heaven through prayer. "Your kingdom come, your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven." Here is your key. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind anything and everything that exists here on earth that doesn't exist in heaven and then start praying heaven down. Joy for chaos. Hope for hopelessness. Peace for anxiety. And so on. The grammatical tense used here is the imperative tense, which is used to require or demand an action take place. It is a passionate command. We are to pray with passion! "Let your kingdom come! Let your will be done!" Hunger? "Father, feed the hungry!" Sickness? "Father, heal the sick!" Abortion? "Father, save all lives!" Polluted water? "Father, provide clean water!" Injustice? "Father, rule with justice!" Abuse? "Father, bind their wounds." What a great way to practice three word prayers! There are so many needs around us. Including your own needs. Your family's needs. Your friends' needs. We should never have a problem finding people or things to pray for that are needing to see a glimpse of heaven invading earth! Until Jesus returns, these pockets of his eternal glory will give hope for what is to come!

Watching the disciples gives us another key for how to pray. The only thing the disciples ever asked Jesus to teach them how to do was to pray. They saw his power and concluded it was a result of his prayer life. When asked, Jesus answered, "When you pray, pray like this." Notice he says WHEN you pray. Not if. He expected his disciples to pray. He knew it was an integral part of intimacy with the Father. From there, Jesus gives them a recipe for how to pray. This week, we will look at each line of the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, a recipe for how to pray. Each line serves as another key. I want you to learn how to pray. And then I want you to pray. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." Start by talking to God as your Father. Your Daddy. A good Daddy. Loving. Kind. Faithful. Remember reading Matthew 7:7-11 last week? We saw how God loves to give good gifts to his children. While he is good and kind, he is also holy. Set apart. Different than we are. He is in heaven and we must enter his presence with awestruck wonder and respect. Confessing our sins as needed. Receiving his grace in abundance. Yes, he is your close friend and Daddy. But he is also awesome and sovereign. We must embrace the fullness of his nature. Carrying a deep appreciation for his authority, yet having the confidence that we can crawl into his lap just like a child would with a good earthly Father. This analogy might help you appreciate the differing attributes of the Father. God made both male and female in his image (Genesis 1:27). Each one carries a unique expression and gives a different glimpse of God. Similarly, there are attributes of the Father that are very different from one another. His mercy and justice. His grace and truth. His love and holiness. But as you experience and embrace all of him, you will experience LIFE and LIFE ABUNDANTLY (John 10:10). This holy and gracious Daddy is how you begin to pray. Knowing these attributes should encourage a fervor to pray! Begin your time with God by recognizing and worshiping everything that he represents. All prayer must begin here.