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God's Little Book of Guarantees for Marriage

Multnomah Publishers

Chapter One

God Guarantees

I HAVE CHOSEN YOU

Always remember that before you ever chose Me, I'd already chosen you to go out into the world and bear fruit for Me that will last forever-making disciples and spreading My Word. If you do this, then you'll be able to ask Me for anything you need in My Son's name, and I will give it to you.
From John 15:16

Warranty Notes: If you do God's work, He promises to give you everything you need to do it.

Dear God,
Thank You for giving me such
an important assignment!
I am anxious to do Your work in the world,
and I trust You to give me everything I
need to accomplish every challenge I face.
Amen.

God Guarantees

I Loved You First

If ever you doubt My love, remember what I did to prove it to you. I sent My only Son into the world for you. Think about it: I loved you first-even while you were sinful and didn't love Me. Without your doing anything for Me, I sent My sinless Son to sacrifice His life for your sins. That's why you can always be certain that My love for you doesn't rest on your performance and can't be earned or increased.
From 1 John 4:9-10

Warranty Notes: It's impossible for God to love you more than He already does.

Dear God,
How awesome that You love me so completely.
You loved me even before I decided to get to know You.
Keep me safe in Your love today and every day.
Amen.

God Guarantees

I WILL REJOICE
OVER YOU

I, the Lord your God, am with you. I am mighty and able to save you. I want you to be convinced that I take great delight in you. Allow Me, and I will quiet you with My love. I "will rejoice over you with singing."
From Zephaniah 3:17

WARRANTY NOTES: The songs of God's love are everywhere around us, all the time.

Dear God,
How amazing it is to know that
You love me so much.
I love to think of You rejoicing over me in song.
Teach me to please You more and more.
Amen.

God Guarantees

You are my
Beloved friend

It isn't easy to find a friend-but you can count on Me. I sent My Son for you, and He'll do the things a best friend does. He'll rejoice with you when good things happen; He'll listen when you need to vent; and He'll stick close by when you need help. Follow my commands and call out Jesus' name and He'll be right there.
From John 15:12-14

Warranty Notes: Friendship with God never wears out.

Dear God, thank You for giving me a friend like Jesus.
When my earthly friends are not around, Jesus lets me
laugh or weep, ramble or rant. Please help me remember
that Your Son is near, ready to be my loving friend.
Amen.

God Guarantees

I KNOW YOU INTIMATELY

I know everything about you. From far away I know what you're thinking. I'm up-to-date on the details of your life. I'm right beside you-wherever you go. My powerful hands tend to the intricate details of your life. I was there when you were put together. I prepared each day of your life before you were born. I think about you all the time. And I'm ready to lead you to eternal life.
FROM PSALM 139

Warranty Notes: The One who knows you best loves you most.

Dear God, You think about me all the time.
You're always ready and eager to guide me. I can't
comprehend this. When it comes to meeting You, I can't
get it wrong or find myself waiting in the wrong place
or at the wrong time. No matter the place or the time,
You will be there. Show me how to follow You perfectly.
Amen.

God Guarantees

You are important
To my church

No matter what your gifts or background, you have an important part in the church, My body. Everyone's role is unique, each contribution crucial. Just as with the human body, the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" Even if you are a part of My body that seems small or inconsequential, you are nevertheless indispensable, and you should treat with special honor and care those members of My body who don't necessarily appear important.
From 1 Corinthians 12:18-23

Warranty Notes: To prevent contention among us, God wants us to understand that we are all equally important (see 1 Corinthians 12:25-26).

Dear God, I am so thankful that You think I am
indispensable to Your church. Help me to do my part
and to honor the gifts and contributions of others.
Amen.

God Guarantees

I make no distinctions
among you

Everyone who puts his or her faith in Christ is a child of God. Because you have been baptized in Christ and clothe yourself with Christ, you are equally My heirs-my sons and daughters. I make no distinction between Jews or Greeks or any other race, or between slaves or free men or any other social status. You all belong to Christ and are heirs of My promises.
From Galatians 3:28-29

Warranty Notes: The idea of equality in Christ was revolutionary to the Jews who first heard these words (see also Colossians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 12:13).

Dear God, because I am clothed in Christ, I am just as
valuable to You as the most famous, rich, or pious
Christian. Because in You there is no discrimination, as
a result, there should be none among Your children.
Amen.

God Guarantees

My love Is
Everlasting

The tallest mountains are worn away by time, yet I am the everlasting Rock. My love lasts forever too. You can rely on Me to carry you through any circumstance of life, and I'll never change the way I love you. The steadfastness of My love cannot be eroded or destroyed. Even if you are buffeted by disasters or beaten down by disease, My love will remain. I will care for you with kindness and mercy because I love you with an everlasting love.
From Isaiah 26:4; Jeremiah 31:3

Warranty Notes: When people's love seems fickle and fading, remember that God's love is nothing like that.

Dear God, every time I think You have forgotten me,
I look up and You are there. Please help me remember
that life has its ups and downs, but Your love for me is
constant and eternal.
Amen.

Continues...

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Excerpted from God's Little Book of Guarantees for Marriage by Heather Kopp Copyright © 2002 by Heather Kopp. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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