Monday, January 27

Monday Morning Manna  

Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 1247:1

Being “in love” is good and necessary as we enter into a marriage, most call this the honeymoon stage. But all marriages will soon find its limitation when they discover that our spouse is only human and that honeymoon love is tested. It is during these moments we need to have God as our head and master and be led by the Holy Spirit to teach us. For this reason I am thankful for the vessel Sis. Iyanna DeGannes who spoke on marriage in yesterday’s service, her sermon titled God Is Able to Restore Your Marriage.

Sis. DeGannes shared so many gems with us encouraging us to keep, seek and include God in our marriages. The only way two can make it as one is if God is in the midst. All other means will fail. You can do everything imaginable, but unless God intervenes your marriage will not be great. This is true for single people seeking marriage and those who are already married. Psalm 127:1 puts it this way:

Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it;

Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Psalm 127points out the need to guard and protect what God has given to you. This same principle applies across all of life not just in marriage; you need God or you will fail.

Married couples were encouraged to get together and communicate. Understand that we are on the same side of the fence working as a team together, not against each other. We must become intentional about spending time together talking and catching up with each other. Both partners were given a tip on how to make this communication work. Wives, we often have an ‘ocean of words’ to share with our husbands which can be too much for them to handle. Instead wives were encouraged to use two minutes and make it count. Consider the issue you want to present to your spouse, gather your thoughts and make it quick.  and spend only two minutes to get your message across. Husbands, we know, you know, everyone knows your time is limited but you must still figure it out! In her ocean of words become a detective (a reference to Matlock was used here) and get to the main point. Is she hurting? Does she feel neglected? Does she feel loved? Are you spending enough time with the kids? Are you spending enough time at home? Get to the root of the conversation and work with your wife to move forward and grow from this situation.

Marriage is a beautiful thing. It is one of the greatest gifts God ever gave to humanity. But, it is only truly beautiful when it is operating like God intended it to. This week be intentional about seeking God for your marriage. Husbands and wives might want to come and pray together, ask the Lord to strengthen your bonds.