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Key Bible Verse: "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). Bonus Reading: Mark 10:2-12

More than 200 years ago when the United States Marine Corps was being formed, much consideration was given to selecting a motto. They finally chose the Latin semper fidelis, meaning always faithful.

Of those two powerful words, the first is most important, for it explains how a marine is to be faithful—not only when it's personally convenient, or when the circumstances will guarantee his personal happiness.

In high school, several of my friends ran the 100-yard dash. In marriage, as in the dash, it's not how you start that counts, it's how you finish. You can run your heart out for 95 yards and even lead the field, but if you stop five yards short— Too many men are running the 95-yard dash in their marriages. Commitment means you finish.

It's much better for a boy to learn the meaning of semper fidelis from the example of his father than from a drill sergeant in boot camp. A boy whose father is committed to his mother will have a tremendous advantage when he becomes a husband. He'll intuitively understand that his marriage commitment is a willingness to be responsible, even when it's inconvenient or crowds out his personal happiness.

—Steve Farrar in Point Man

Ask God to help you keep the promises you've made to your wife. resolve to keep those vows, no matter what.

Married life is a marathon. It is not enough to make a great start. You will need the determination to keep plugging. Only then will you make it to the end.

—James Dobson (psychologist, broadcaster) Adapted from Point Man (Multnomah, 1990).

NOTE: For your convenience, Point Man is available in the ChristianityToday.com Shopping Channel.

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Prayer for the Week

Jesus, you are the great healer and restorer. Bind my family together. If I have suffered because of divorce, I ask you to heal our family from its pain and destruction. Please renew our hope.

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