A Difficult Marriage

(Excerpts from TC3 Church)

Those who marry will have troubles. That’s what Paul told the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 7:28). Even the best couples can struggle to protect their marriage vows. But what happens when marriage troubles become unbearable? Is there a point at which couples should end a bad marriage? Or is there hope for something better? Walk through the following steps as you prayerfully evaluate your situation.

Unfortunately, many marriages end today over troubles that could have been overcome. University of Texas researcher Norval Glenn has found that divorces today are often blamed on problems such as “lack of commitment,” “too much conflict and arguing,” “unrealistic expectations” and “lack of preparation.” These are problems that both husband and wife can and should work to overcome. Despite what friends, family or popular culture might say, these issues are no reason to end a marriage – especially in light of the serious long-term impact of divorce on your children.

Major trouble occurs when someone either abuses or abandons their role in a marriage – when they break faith with their spouse and violate their vows. While God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), He permits it for marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:1-8). In God’s grace, He allows, but does not command, men and women whose spouses have been unfaithful to start over. However, God is in the business of helping couples redeem what many would see as a hopeless situation. “Even marriages that have faced one or more of the big ‘A’s – abuse, affairs or addictions – can be saved.” If your relationship is marked by physical or severe emotional abuse, you may find yourself confused, frightened and unsure about what to do. The most important thing you can do right now is take steps to protect yourself and your children from harm.

Even if you want to save your marriage, you should not risk the safety of your children or yourself. A period of structured and therapeutic separation may be needed and can make it possible for you to get the help your marriage needs while making your family less vulnerable.

Whatever situation you’re in, don’t struggle through a difficult marriage alone. You need the Lord like never before. He is eager to hear your prayers and walk this journey with you. Whether you are praying together or praying for your marriage alone, the power of prayer can make all the difference. You also need the church body like never before – for perspective and advice, counseling and encouragement, and hope for God’s redemption.

https://real-life.tc3.church/felt-needs/difficult-marriage/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8-f2vYyQ9wIVV-TICh3yWAN5EAAYBCAAEgKxhPD_BwE

Thicker Than Water

Psalm 101

Close relationships have great potential for conflict. Our homes can be difficult places in which to “behave wisely.” Our families usually see us at our worst because we relax and let down our mask of good behavior. Often we do not treat our family members with the same respect and kindness we show to friends and business associates. David must have understood this as he promised to walk within his house “with a perfect heart.” Because we want to treat those who are close to us well, let us pray that God will remind us to follow him at home, and that our lives will be Christian examples.

(Excerpt from Life Application Bible pg. 1036)

Redeeming The Time

Ephesians 5:1-20

Money can be refunded, property can be restored, even health can be renewed, but there’s one thing that can never be replaced once it’s been used, and that’s time. Life on earth is indeed short, and many today won’t live beyond the years their ancestors were blessed to see. This is mostly due to the change in the quality of foods and resources, but mostly, lack of faith in the God who created all things. Knowing the average lifetime for humans is roughly threescore and ten, every person on the planet who’s capable of learning, and has a desire to please God should make redeeming the time top priority in their lives. The days are evil, and the love of God amongst men is fleeting, but to those who boldly live according to godly standards, fulfilling God’s will is a must. Lost time can never be recovered, but with the time we have left, let’s make a conscious effort to value it, by doing things that will have a positive, and eternal effect.

Uma Vez Para Morrer…

Hebrews 9:24-28

Todas as pessoas que você conhece, incluindo você mesmo, um dia sofrerão uma morte física. Embora o pensamento de morrer nesta terra muitas vezes faça alguns desmaiar, podemos ter certeza de que Cristo tornou possível que não tivéssemos que suportar a morte espiritual. Nossa esperança e confiança repousam no fato de que Jesus não apenas cuidou do nosso passado, mas nosso presente e futuro também estão eternamente seguros. Enquanto nos esforçamos para viver santos em um mundo profano, podemos confiar no Espírito de Deus para nos ajudar a vencer todo tipo de mal e tentação. Embora seja designado a todos os homens morrer, nossa morte física será o começo de nossa eternidade espiritual.

Una Vez Para Morir…

Hebrews 9:24-28

Cada persona que conoces, incluyéndote a ti mismo, algún día sufrirá una muerte física. Si bien la idea de morir en esta tierra a menudo hace que algunos se desmayen, podemos estar seguros de que Cristo hizo posible que no tuviéramos que soportar la muerte espiritual. Nuestra esperanza y confianza descansan en el hecho de que Jesús no solo se ocupó de nuestro pasado, sino que nuestro presente y futuro también están eternamente seguros. Mientras nos esforzamos por vivir en santidad en un mundo impío, podemos confiar en el Espíritu de Dios para que nos ayude a vencer todo tipo de maldad y tentación. Si bien está establecido que todos los hombres mueran, nuestra muerte física será el comienzo de nuestra eternidad espiritual.

“Once To Die…”

Hebrews 9:24-28

Every person you know, including yourself, will someday suffer a physical death. While the thought of dying in this earth oftentimes cause some to faint, we can rest assured that Christ made it possible for us to not have to endure spiritual death. Our hope and confidence rest in the fact that Jesus not only took care of our past, but our present and future are eternally secure as well. While we strive to live holy in an unholy world, we can trust in the Spirit of God to help us overcome all manner of evil and temptation. While it is appointed unto all men to die, our physical death will be the beginning of our spiritual eternity.