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Making Marriage Work in Tough Economic Times
/0 Comments/in Sermon /by icgcthenewwineIt seems clear to us that the most important question of the day for marriage is this “What can you do to make your marriage work in tough economic times?” More importantly, however, those struggling marriages, those marriages that are feeling the challenges of economic uncertainty must rise to the occasion if they are to save their marriage. And after all, isn’t saving your marriage a highly important thing to do? We think so. We think you agree. So, how do we do it?
Re-establish your marital relationship. Say what, you say? Here is what we mean take time to “start over” in your marriage. Spend time to feel the emotions and feelings you had when you were dating way back when. Hold hands more often. It is important for the two of you to rediscover the flame that burned when you first started dating when you first got married. Rekindling the flame that brought you together will go a long way towards re-establishing your marital relationship. My hope is that you will re-establish the parameters of the relationship you had when you fell in love in the first place. Try it, you’ll like it!
Renew your marital relationship. We think that these tough economic times represent a perfect time to do the sharing exercises It is so very important that you regain familiarity with your marital relationship. This you must understand renewal of your marital relationship is of paramount importance to the survival of your marriage during tough economic times.
Share the bill paying. How are you going to handle the bill paying – together or separately? You must keep your family’s financial house in order as best you can if you are to save your marriage in tough economic times. Paying your bills together and making decisions about your finances together will go a long way towards eliminating the destructive arguments and disagreements that often occur when times are tough. In difficult times, you must share decision-making in your marriage like you have never done before! If you want to preserve your relationship with each other if you want to stare economic challenges in the face do it together.
Establish parameters of civility in your interactions with each other. The blame-game doesn’t work very well when it comes to finding solutions to the economic challenges facing you. Telling your spouse that your financial woes are his or her fault does absolutely nothing to solve the problems that you are facing. More than ever, you and your spouse must create an emotional environment that encourages conversation, minimizes the blame-game, and encourages open and honest two-way communication. There is no crying in marriage during tough economic times. Leave the blame-game behind. And more than anything else bring civility back to your marriage. You and your marriage have a much better chance of surviving these tough economic times when your interactions with each other are civil, kind, caring, and supportive.
Be honest with your children above all else. If you have children in the house, they need to understand that Mom and Dad are facing severe economic challenges. There is no point in hiding this fact from them. And don’t underestimate your children, especially if they are beyond toddler age they will understand what is going on. Your children will understand why the family cannot maintain “business as usual” in a financial sense. Too many couples hide the realities of life from their children they hide the harshness of life from them. Big mistake we think. You must be honest with your children. When you have to restrict the expenditure of funds on their behalf, they are much more likely to understand if you have been honest with them. Tell it like it is!
The simple truth is these extra efforts to save your marriage in tough economic times just might lead to happiness, contentment, and long-lasting love. Isn’t it time to give your best to address the challenges that face you? Isn’t it time to strengthen your marriage now more than ever? Think about it!
Our Weapon Against Fear
/0 Comments/in Sermon /by icgcthenewwineFor God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Fis the enemy of faith. Fear is bondage. Satan wants us to live r in bondage to the past and even the future, but God wants us to live in the freedom of His love and power in the present. As Paul wrote, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father— (Romans 8:15)
In order to be the leads God calls us to be, we must conquer our fear and put it to death. This is-a.spi ritual battle, and it can only be won with spiritual weapons. We must replace our fear with the peace that surpasses understanding. As Jesus told !is followers, \”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have pe-ace… In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the-w.orld\” (John 16:33).
As the apostle Paul told the persecuted Christians in Rome, \”The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet\” (Roman6:2o). The God of peace is our conquering King; the peace of God is sour weapon against fear and Satan. Before going to the cross, Jesus told His disciples, \”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid\” (John 14:27). Fear is a natural response to obstacles, adversity and failure, but peace is the supernatural response that God gives us by His grace. Just as Jesus had authority over the wind and waves, He has authority over the storms in our lives.
He has authority over our doubts, fears and shame. Doubts, fear and shame are the weapons of Satan, but Jesus stands against Satan\’s fury and says with authority, \”Peace, be still.\”
Prayer:
Lord, I appropriate the peace that you have already given to me today.
Scriptural Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-7