Marriage Life Group- recap

Our group has been together for about 1 year now. The group continues to change, grow and develop as we continue. Since not everyone was able to come to each meeting, I would like to share a few of the principles we can refer back to. 

Last year we went through the study titled, "Marriage on the Rock" by Jimmy Evans. 

Here are some of the principles shared in his teaching: (Session 1) 

[some of this material is straight from Jimmy Evans' book, Marriage on the Rock while other parts are my personal inspiration.]

1. The most important issue in Marriage - The number one thing a couple can do for their marriage is make sure that each other has a true deepening relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ!

a. What are some of the needs you think we all have?

- acceptance

- identity

- security

- purpose

What are some of the ways we seek to fulfill their deepest needs?

• People
• Lust
• Career
• Money
• Material possessions
• Hobbies

Things to consider:

• Do you expect your spouse to make you happy?
• What expectations of needs do I put on my spouse to meet that only God can meet?
• Is my inner joy, peace and fulfillment easily disrupted when things don't go the way I want, or when people don't believe the way I think they should?
• Am I confident that my life is built on knowing who I am in Jesus, and that no matter how people behave or how situations turn out, I am secure? 

Talk it out - 

1. Talk about ways to depend more on the Lord to meet your needs.
2. Make a commitment to each other to depend on the Lord, not your spouse, to meet your deepest needs by investing 
3. Confess your wrong doing to one another and ask forgiveness to begin the healing process for both of you. Confession allows you to acknowledge truth, take responsibility and release guilt. 
4. Commit to pray for each other to experience the grace of The Father's love in a new and deeper way.
5. Commit to pray you will see the error of your own ways and desire to allow God to help you change.

Scriptures covered: Galations 6:2; Romans 12:15; Proverbs 28:26; Jeremiah 17:5, 7-8; Proverbs 11:28; John 6:35; Psalms 125:1; Proverbs 29:25; John 4:1-42

Here are some suggested ideas for investing in your marriage: 

• Praying alone
• Praying together
• Reading, Studying and applying the truth of God's Word
• Reading devotional's & books about marriage
• Attending church
• Fasting with prayer
• Going on a retreat together
• Seek counsel with those who encourage you in truth
• Join a group who desires to grow through Christ    

I pray blessings over each marriage in Jesus name!