The married life of a spirit filled believer
as illustrated by Christ and the Church
by Gil with some help from God
When one takes a look at marriage you must understand that "marriage" joining a man and a woman was GOD'S idea. Therefore it is probable that he left us some "instructions" for a happy marriage.
By looking at today's success rate, I would just guess that most people are not living according to God's plan for a happy marriage. I realize that it is most difficult in this day and age to focus on the important things; there are so many unimportant things getting in the way of the relationship that God wanted for you and your spouse.
Matt.19
[5] And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
[6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
When you join before God, I am sure that you meant it at the time. Unfortunately, like most of us we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and somehow forget the most important ingredient to a happy marriage; GOD. Would you buy a flower and put it in a closet with no sunshine and water? And expect it to grow? Well thus, it is the same with a marriage it cannot grow without GOD. Remember it says that "all good and perfect things come from above".
I believe that implies that "all bad and imperfect things come from you know who".
Some of the major reasons for divorce today, not necessarily in this order are, financial woes, sexual problems, jealousy, worry, infidelity, and at the top of this list is a lack of God in the marriage. God is not a Sunday thing. It is a way of life, it is the only way to PEACE OF MIND!
A quick parable;
Matt.14
[28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
[29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
[30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
[31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst
thou doubt?
As long as Peter kept his eyes and focus on Jesus, everything was fine, it was when he took his eyes off that he ran into trouble; thus it is with us in our daily lives.
The Marriage
[20] Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
[21] Submitting yourselves one to another in the love of God.
[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
[29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
[31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
[33] Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Notice that this IS NOT saying that the man is the boss and that's that! Lots of so called Christian men forget to read the whole chapter and use this as their whip so to speak. Yes, the man is to be the leader of the family; but if he is not leading by principles then it is hard to follow such a man. It is why so many women have had to become independent these days.
I encourage all men to do as was asked of us from God, to become the spiritual leader of our families. God tells us to put on the whole armour of God for a reason!
10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
John.10
[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Remember that Satan loves to destroy anything that God has built; that is HIS job. If you allow Satan to give you worry, anxiety, jealousy, infidelity, then you have allowed HIM to win. He is there to put a shadow of a doubt in your mind. When that little voice is making you think bad thoughts of your spouse it straight from the devil and you MUST disregard it!!!
Rom.10
[17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The more you put in the more that will come out.
Phil.4
1.[6] Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
God said; "don't worry, pray, and be happy"
Phil.4
[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
God will give us "what we need" that is His promise to us.
A marriage between believers is supposed to grow in love not slowly dwindle away from the day of their marriage. You must not allow the adversary to have any power over your lives, he has already been defeated!
Life has many obstacles, and when in doubt you can always go to the BIBLE , the answers are there.
Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth