It's Tight . . .but it's Right!

Prayer is a subject that most people rarely ever talk about. In our marriages, it's almost unheard of . However; prayer is almost the life-blood of our existence and vital for a healthy marriage.

If you notice, even those that do not believe in religion or in God, find themselves in a mode of prayer, especially when trouble comes. Have you ever noticed when a person is about to experience some dramatic thing in their life, their response is "Oh Lord". . . and some people even cut through the chase and just say: "JESUS". (smiles). Well it is that instinct built inside of us to pray, or if you will, call for help in the time of trouble!

The scriptures instruct us to pray. . . .Luke 18:1: And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. In a way Christ was giving us a hint. You don't have to worry when trouble comes, you have an alternative!. . .PRAY. . . .When complex issues arise in your marriages, you don't have to divorce. . . .there is another way. . . .Pray. It is God's way of telling us that when you're tired of doing your thing, come to me, call upon me and I will answer and show you a way. . .. Scripture also tells us that Jesus says: I am the way , the truth and the life. . .St. John 14:6.

There will be situations that arise in your life and in your marriage that you simply have NO CONTROL OVER. What then do you do? Do you give up?. Do you jump off the cliff? Do you Divorce? Of course not. . You Pray!

Keep this in mind, God does not want you to fail, in fact He has written in His word a verse designed just for you! III John, second verse: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

You see, our way of handling life's ups and downs is through reason, logic, sight, interlect, and sometimes desperation! God on the other hand addresses these same situations through Divine purpose, Divine plan, tribulation, purpose,and destiny. Even the scriptures tell us in Romans, chapter 8, verse 28: and we know that all things (didn't say all good things, just all things) work together for the good to them who love God and to them who are the called according to His purpose.

Sounds to me as if we've got a little homework of our own to do. Let's be honest, our marriages and our lives can only be productive if we allow God and His word to habitat in our life's experiences.

Case and point: There is a plan for your marriage and a plan for your individual life. One of the ways to find out is through the vehicle of Prayer. . . .it's tight . . . .but it's right!

God loves you, for real!

Everything that's good to ya, is not always good for ya!

This segment deals with old "habits". Many marriages struggle through their relationships because of Old Habits! I guess you think I mean smoking, drinking, gambling, etc. No, not those kind! Although, they're not good either.Habits of spending, habits of careless living, even habits of selfishness, and many marriage never overcome life's obstacles because of these types of habits.

A very interesting scripture comes to mind that's found in the book of Proverbs, chapter 3, verses 21 thru 24.. . . My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion. . .so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and the foot shall not stumble.

What the scripture is saying is that we must begin to re-educate ourselves in the ways of life. Seeking wisdom from God is good start. When we have been so accustom to doing things a certain way, it is difficult to "break the habit;" nevertheless, it is important that we try.

Have you ever sat down with each other, {that's key} and discussed a plan for your marriage? Where you want to live, whether or not to have children, how much money are you able to save, where you will attend church (that's also key), if you both will work, and any of the things that will impact your marriage.

Constantly, we are overcome with bad habits just because they seem good to us! Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25. . . . further says: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Remember in one of my past segments, I told you that whenever God says something twice, take heed!

So what's the message. . . . examine your ways, your habits, your everyday living. See if your marriage is God's way or your way.

Always remember this: when you want different things to happen for you . . .you just might have to start doing different things. . . .but not to worry .. . . it's all outlined for you in the Word of God!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Ha! Ha! . . . .It's so amazing how life revolves it's self around similarities. Today's message is not about a Clint Eastwood movie. (smiles), although, the subject is: the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is a very serious topic.

Control or discipline in your marriage is much like disciplining your life. Knowing what to do and when to do it. In the Holy scriptures, the bible uses a word called Temperance. Temperance is actually a fruit of the Spirit and it is simply knowing when and when not to! Let me explain.

The Good: is when we allow God to lead and direct our marriage through biblical instruction. The Bad: is when we do not consult God's word for instruction and direction in our marriage, and we are left without knowing what to do next. The Ugly: This practice is the most dangerous: deliberately ignoring God's Word forces you to enter into many abominable practices. You might as well face it. . . until you are able to breathe your own air, God is still in control.

In the book of Romans, chapter one, tells us how God has given every man/woman the opportunity to know Him and by reason of rebellion, these people refused to even acknowledge Him. I repeat! ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS THINGS YOU CAN DO IN THIS LIFE, IS REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE GOD.

Did you know that many encounters that we experience in our marriages stem from the lack of acknowledging God? Even the scripture tells us in Proverbs 3:6 and instructs us to acknowledge Him in all of our ways!

Here's the message: Take a look at your marriage closely, in fact take a good look at YOU! See if you're practicing the Good, the Bad, or the Ugly!

Always remember this: . . . . God changes people and people change things! Make the necessary changes in your life and Marriage. A whole new world will begin to open up to you! . . . . .Don't believe me. . . .believe God!

Stay Blessed!

Is There A Doctor in the House?

Well, I'm sure by now you're wondering what I am referring to when I say " is there a doctor in the house".

Surely I am referring to the Holy Scriptures ( The Bible). Yes, you are exactly right! That is what's needed in your household to cure any and all the illnesses of Marriage.

Often in our marriages, we suffer wounds of our pasts, and experience pain and travail of life's experiences. It is at that time when our marriages begin to suffer illness and time to call for a doctor; or in simple terms, time to open up the Bible and receive instruction.

In the book of Deuteronomy chapter 8, verse 3, we are charged to understand that . . .man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God! How important that is! Again it is repeated in Matthew chapter 4, verse 4. Usually when the Lord says something twice, it is a foundational principle. So allow me to say it this way. . . .GOD'S WORD IS DESIGNED FOR YOUR MARRIAGE.

Many of the issues of life can easily come in to play to breakdown the structure of your marriage. Pressures, financial burdens, employment dissatisfaction, communication breakdowns, depressions, and so many many more. This is the perfect time to regroup and call in "the Doctor", as Coca Cola would say. . . the real thing! and by the way . . . . Jesus is the "real thing"

In fact, Jesus says: Come unto me all ye that are burden and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. . . .take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy and my burden light . . . .in me you will find rest for your souls. . . Matthew 28 - 30.

Let's face it, the only real cure for trouble or illness in our lives or our marriages is CHRIST, the Hope of Glory! Come on now, give the Lord of hosts a try. besides, He is the King of Glory, the deliverer, the healer, the mind regulator, the prince of peace, our provider, the beginning and the ending.,our protector!

Want to know a secret? God is already in tomorrow. It's now our responsibility to get in God! Put your marriage in God's hands. He's the Doctor! and He will take your case. Know something else?. . .

IT'S F R E E ! Be Blessed!

All Work and No Play. . .

In today's segment, we are taught a very important element necessary for a healthy marriage. The element of Play, that's right Play!

What exactly is Play? Well let's see what God in His Holy Word says. In the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 2, verse 24: reads like this: There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy the good in his labour. This also I saw, that it's from the hand of God.

You see, many people and especially Christians have been lead to believe that having fun is of the World. How not true that is. In fact , God tells us to actually to have fun. It is the balance that you need in your life and most of all in your marriage. You've heard the expression many times: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". Well it's true; and your marriage can suffer the same dullness if you don't Play. Playing (having some fun) is really a part of God's plan for mankind.

Further in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 5: 18 & 19, admonishes us to eat, drink, and enjoy the good of our labour.. . . this is the gift of God! Surprised, I was too! but it's true. God said it. . . .I believe it. . .and that makes it so! Hallelujah !

Here's the thought: Without fun in your life and especially in your marriage, you are taking away the element of balance. .and balance is what you must have. Remember All work and no play equals disaster! Be sure to take some time out to Play, as it will fill your hearts with joy and laughter. Learn from the scriptures. . . a merry heart doth good like a medicine....Proverbs 17:22.

Now fulfill your marriage with a little fun. Start playing. . . . . .You'll be glad that you did! (Smiles)