Greater Joy TWOgether: A 52-Week Marriage Devotional

By Ted Cunningham

This 52-week couples’ devotional combines biblical wisdom and sage marriage advice with fun date ideas, thoughtful conversation starters, short prayers, and creative techniques to help you recapture joy in your marriage.
 
Do you and your spouse feel more like roommates than a married couple? Greater Joy TWOgether will help you go deep in your faith, nurture your marriage, and make laughter a part of your everyday life. Each weekly devotion includes a short reading, a Scripture verse, conversation prompts, ideas for putting the week’s theme into action, and prayer starters to draw you closer to God and each other.
 
Author Ted Cunningham offers his trademark blend of humor and inspiring biblical content to help you and your spouse:
 

• Understand the importance of intentional little connections
• Engage more with each other throughout the week
• Encourage and equip other couples
• Realize that daily married life can be more fun than you think

 
With a laugh-out-loud emphasis on laughing out loud, Greater Joy TWOgether will add spark to your relationship as you prioritize faith, each other, and the lighter moments of your crazy life.
 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: David C Cook
• Release date: Sep 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9780830785285

Book preview

Cover Page for Greater Joy TWOgether

What people are saying about …

Greater Joy TWOgether

"With two decades of ministry and marriage tools under his belt, my friend Ted shares pro tips on relational construction and renovation in this excellent new book. He drills down on the importance of building a strong foundation through prayer, communication, affirmation, and teamwork. At the same time, he encourages couples to carve out space for laughter, intimacy, and refreshment. If you’re looking for some fresh ideas to improve your marriage, this is the book for you!"

Greg Smalley, PsyD, vice president of marriage at Focus on the Family

Ted Cunningham walks the talk. Whether he is onstage for his renowned Comedy Date Night events, preaching at his amazing church in Branson, or writing one of his bestselling marriage books, Ted is the real deal—authentic, grounded, and practical. Oh, and funny too. He will make you laugh while you learn. If you’re looking for weekly inspiration in your marriage, not to mention deeper joy, don’t miss out on this beautiful devotional book.

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, #1 New York Times-bestselling authors of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

"Greater Joy TWOgether is the most enjoyable marriage book I have ever read. I literally laughed out loud many times. Even better, there’s an abundance of wise counsel and seasoned insight to help any couple draw closer together."

Gary Thomas, author of Sacred Marriage, Cherish, and A Lifelong Love

"Ted Cunningham is one of my favorite people, and Greater Joy TWOgether will quickly become your favorite weekly devotional. With Ted’s signature humor, practicality, and wisdom, this book walks couples through Scripture, special times of conversation, and prayer. This journey will bring great joy to every marriage."

Shaunti Feldhahn, social researcher and bestselling author of For Women Only and For Men Only

"I love how Greater Joy TWOgether biblically and practically helps couples connect with each other and with God. Spiritual intimacy is often the least developed area of intimacy in marriage, and simply spending twenty minutes a week together can change that for you."

Jim Burns, PhD, president of HomeWord, author of Creating an Intimate Marriage, and coauthor of Closer

"Full of wisdom, fun, practical advice, and a boatload of humor, Greater Joy TWOgether will bless and strengthen any marriage. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a deeper, fuller, richer, understanding of biblical marriage in the midst of a broken world. I also recommend this book to anyone in need of a good belly laugh."

Jimmy Dodd, founder and CEO of PastorServe, coauthor of What Great Ministry Leaders Get Right and The Magnificent Names of Jesus

This book gives couples a GPS that guides them step by step from the beginning of their relationship journey through their lifetime, laughing all the way.

Dr. Yakov Smirnoff, comedian

"So much practical packed into 52 weeks! Go slow, talk about it, pray about it, and watch where God leads you in your marriage. Greater Joy TWOgether is a difference maker for marriages."

Julie Baumgardner, MS, CFLE, senior director, WinShape Marriage

Besides being an excellent storyteller, Ted gives couples practical questions to talk about, suggestions of things to do, and prompts to pray together. The best marriages include laughter, shared experiences, and community with others who will cheer you on. Reading this book is an easy step toward making our marriages better in 52 weeks.

Jána Guynn, director of marrieds, Gwinnett Church, North Point Ministries

"Ted’s heart for the Lord, for his church, and for the family permeates this 52-week devotional for couples. From humor to Scripture to practical action steps to focused prayers, Greater Joy TWOgether gives husbands and wives a weekly road map to staying focused and intentional in their marriage!"

Clay Cunningham, next generation pastor, First Baptist Church, Benton, Arkansas

"Ted Cunningham’s new marriage devotional, Greater Joy TWOgether, is a book I will be recommending to couples—no matter how long they’ve been married! It’s engaging, fun, and full of action steps and discussion questions that will deepen your relationships with both your spouse and the Lord. Commit to going through this book together (or two-gether)!"

Tom Henderson, RESGEN founder, speaker, author, and RESGEN Giving Life podcast host

"Ted has delivered an encouraging, practical, and energizing devotional book for couples. With his trademark humor and fresh insights, every couple should commit a year of their marriage to reading Greater Joy TWOgether."

Roger Gibson, marriage pastor, Fellowship of the Parks

"Overflowing with Ted’s uplifting and refreshing brand of storytelling, this 52-week devotional combines all of Ted’s greatest teaching and comedy nuggets into one easy-to-read collection. Greater Joy TWOgether is a must-have resource for any couple looking for a fun, thought-provoking, and engaging way to enrich their marriage."

Barry Ford, minister to young married adults, First Baptist Dallas

"As you read Greater Joy TWOgether, I know you will be refreshed by Ted’s unique blend of real-life talk, incredible sense of humor, and Jesus-centered solutions. On top of that, you will be equipped with practical ways to talk, live, and pray the principles you learn together."

Chip Henderson, senior pastor, Pinelake Church

"With Ted’s sense of humor leaping off the page, Greater Joy TWOgether will make you and your spouse laugh together, learn biblical principles together, and most of all, grow closer together as you make your marriage all God desires it to be."

Jarrett Stephens, senior pastor, Champion Forest Baptist Church and author of The Always God

"Greater Joy TWOgether is Christ-centered, biblical, honest, practical, and funny. You will love your marriage more, your spouse more, and most importantly, you’ll love Jesus more."

Scott Kedersha, marriage pastor, Harris Creek Baptist Church and author of Ready or Knot?

"Thoroughly enjoyed Greater Joy TWOgether. Excellent resource that is timely, practical, and stimulating for any marriage."

Don Blackmore, adult discipleship pastor, Central Baptist, Jonesboro, Arkansas

My wife and I so enjoyed Ted’s practical mix of relatable stories and rich marriage activities wrapped together with prompts for reflection, prayer, and action. Couples who use this devotional will have fun, become greater friends, and deepen in their discipleship.

J. P. De Gance, president and CEO, Communio

Not only does Ted have a great marriage, but he studies the essential elements of a healthy marriage and writes with conviction and hope. I highly recommend that you read this with your spouse so you’ll grow, laugh, and keep your marriage from drifting.

Doug Fields, author of 7 Ways to Be Her Hero

"Ted’s process is enjoyable, and his purpose is biblical. In other words, Greater Joy TWOgether is a faithful and fun endeavor. I like it and you will too! It’s a doable devotional."

Dennis Swanberg, America’s Minister of Encouragement

Greater Joy TWOgether

A 52-Week Marriage Devotional

Ted Cunningham

GREATER JOY TWOGETHER

Published by David C Cook

4050 Lee Vance Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80918 U.S.A.

Integrity Music Limited, a Division of David C Cook

Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2RE, England

The graphic circle C logo is a registered trademark of David C Cook.

All rights reserved. Except for brief excerpts for review purposes, no part of this book may be reproduced or used in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved; MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, represented by Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved; NASB are taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org; NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved; TLB are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved; KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. (Public Domain.)

The author has added italics to Scripture quotations for emphasis.

Library of Congress Control Number 2023931060

ISBN 978-0-8307-8527-8

eISBN 978-0-8307-8528-5

© 2023 Ted Cunningham

Published in association with The Bindery Agency, www.TheBinderyAgency.com.

The Team: Susan McPherson, Stephanie Bennett, Jeff Gerke, Judy Gillispie, Leigh Davidson, James Hershberger, Susan Murdock

Cover Design: Juicebox Designs

First Edition 2023

⁰⁵⁰⁹²³

To Corynn and Caden Hazell,

I rejoice and delight in your young, budding love.

Your mom and I pray for you every day.

You bring great joy to those around you.

Your future together is bright.

I love you.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Week 1: Enjoying Life Together (Ecclesiastes 9:9)

Week 2: Our Shared Sense of Humor (Proverbs 17:22)

Week 3: The Benefits of Laughter (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

Week 4: Backup Singers (Song of Songs 1:4)

Week 5: Food and Friends (Ecclesiastes 9:7)

Week 6: Your Marriage on Display (1 Peter 3:15)

Week 7: Avoiding Marital Drift (Song of Songs 2:15)

Week 8: The Princess Is Now a Queen (Genesis 2:24)

Week 9: First Comes Love, Then Comes the In-Laws (Matthew 19:6)

Week 10: Side by Side (Genesis 2:20)

Week 11: Enjoying Stuff You Hate (Philippians 2:3–4)

Week 12: Pray Like Jesus (Matthew 6:5)

Week 13: The Marriage Bed (Hebrews 13:4)

Week 14: No Big Deal (Proverbs 19:11)

Week 15: Making the Most of the Time (Psalm 90:10)

Week 16: The Daily Delay (Song of Songs 1:13)

Week 17: The Weekly Withdrawal (Song of Songs 2:8–10)

Week 18: The Annual Abandon (Song of Songs 7:11–12)

Week 19: Time for What Matters Most (Mark 10:16)

Week 20: Slow Down (Exodus 20:9–10)

Week 21: If Tomorrow Never Comes (Ecclesiastes 7:1–2)

Week 22: Personally Autographed by God (Genesis 1:27)

Week 23: Male and Female (Matthew 19:4)

Week 24: Check the Gauges (1 Timothy 5:23)

Week 25: Camping and Scheduled Disasters (James 1:2–4)

Week 26: LUVE Talk (Song of Songs 2:14)

Week 27: Listen to Understand, Not Reply (Proverbs 18:2)

Week 28: The Six Levels of Communication (Proverbs 20:5)

Week 29: Kind Words (Proverbs 16:24)

Week 30: Resolving Unmet Expectations (Proverbs 29:22)

Week 31: Apologies That Bring Life (Proverbs 18:21)

Week 32: Know Your Source (1 John 4:15–16)

Week 33: Know Your Enemy (John 10:10)

Week 34: Know Yourself (1 Peter 4:10)

Week 35: A Strong Foundation (Matthew 7:25)

Week 36: Memorize and Meditate (Hebrews 4:12)

Week 37: Earn, Give, Save, Spend (Matthew 6:24)

Week 38: The Joy of Work (Ecclesiastes 5:19)

Week 39: The Joy of Giving (Proverbs 11:24–25)

Week 40: More Joy in What You Have (1 Timothy 6:8)

Week 41: The Grown-Up Marriage (1 Corinthians 13:11)

Week 42: The Secret to a Life-Giving Marriage (Matthew 20:28)

Week 43: The Poor, Sick, and Stranger (Matthew 25:40)

Week 44: A Refreshing Home (Song of Songs 1:14)

Week 45: Staying Connected When Feeling Isolated, Anxious, or Uncertain (Psalm 25:17)

Week 46: Hope Deferred (Proverbs 13:12)

Week 47: Change of Plans (Proverbs 19:21)

Week 48: Good News of Great Joy (Luke 2:10)

Week 49: Joy-Filled Parenting (Proverbs 23:24–25)

Week 50: Welcome to the Empty Nest (2 Timothy 1:5)

Week 51: Love for a Lifetime (Romans 13:8)

Week 52: Helping Each Other Cross the Finish Line (2 Timothy 4:6–8)

Acknowledgments

David C Cook, this is our fourth book together. From start to finish, the entire team is professional, kind, fun, and Christ-honoring. You stand by your authors, and for that I am grateful. Susan McPherson and Stephanie Bennett walked with me every step of the way on this book. Thank you for believing in this project and helping couples enjoy life together. Thank you, Jeff Gerke. You are an encouraging editor. More than your edits, I enjoyed your instruction. You made me a better writer.

Ingrid Beck and Alex Field are more than literary agents—they are trusted friends. We’ve worked together for more than ten years now. I look forward to many more books together.

Shaunti Feldhahn, Gary Thomas, and Les Parrott, you three are a constant encouragement to me in marriage ministry. Thank you for being my friends and for being only a phone call or text away.

My friends at our 2022 Live the Adventure Alaska Retreat were the first readers of the unedited manuscript of this book. Thank you to Todd and Kristie Riggins, Tom and Denise Boerema, Travis and Kari Brawner, Brad Hunter, Julie Jackson, Warren and Mandy Rogers, Del Nordby, Robyn Mitchell, Doug and Dee Goodwin, Scott and Lynn Rhoda, RG and Karen Yallaly, Gary and Lisa Stewart, Mark and Sandi Larson, Steve and Dawn Larson, and Lindsey Larson. Thank you for hearing me out and offering feedback. A very special thank-you to Gary and Lisa Stewart, Mark and Sandi Larson, and Lindsey Larson for hosting this Alaskan adventure. Your hospitality is second to none.

Woodland Hills Family Church, thank you for graciously allowing me to serve marriages and families outside of the Ozarks. I will not be your pastor forever, but I have asked the Lord to allow me to die as a member of our church. If it is the Lord’s will, I plan on being an old man at the early service cheering on the lead pastor, staff, and congregation. I love our church.

Corynn Hazell, you were the first one to read through the manuscript. Thank you for editing and cheering me on. I am proud of you and Caden!

Carson, you bring your dad great joy. I finished writing this book the day before you started your senior year of high school. I’m taking no writing projects until you go to college so we can knock out more games on our NBA stadium tour. Your mom and I love spending time with you.

Amy, the words of this book are the practice of our marriage. I know you say I keep our marriage fun, but you keep our marriage centered and grounded. You are the steadiest person I know. You lead with strength and integrity. Thank you for your unconditional love and support for me and everything I do.

Introduction

After twenty years of ministry to couples, my passion is greater and my message is more focused than ever on helping couples enjoy life together. I pray that the Lord gives me another forty years in this great work.

Whether speaking at marriage conferences or at our Date Night Comedy events, I want couples to laugh and learn as they grow in their relationship with the Lord and each other. That is my prayer for this 52-week devotional as well.

I am convinced now more than ever that couples need to lighten up and enjoy each other. Sometimes we make marriage harder than it needs to be. God did not give my spouse to me to be the primary challenge of my life but to be my companion through all the seasons and stages of life.

Newlyweds, seasoned couples, and couples in crisis will all learn something from these devotionals. Go through each one at your own pace. I hope each devotional sticks with you throughout the week. Talk about them when you get up, as you get ready, and when you share a meal or drive down the road. Read each one early in the week and discuss it throughout the rest of the week.

Share these devotionals with your friends, small group, or Sunday school class. They are for your marriage and the marriages around you. Yes, of course I