Marriage = Commitment

Here's a new sermon series that my pastor Brother Wayne Spivey has started preaching on. I want to share with you his encouraging words and guidance regarding marriage. This particular sermon series in titled, "What to do when you discover your marriage isn't perfect." Here are his notes on the first sermon titled Commitment. I added my own thoughts to this as well in purple.

There are four commitments that we (as a married individual) must make to help strengthen our relationship.

1. Commitment to GOD (Romans 12:1 states: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.")

*We will all be married to Christ in Heaven ONE DAY! That is, if you have a relationship with Him.

2. Commitment to SPIRITUAL MATURITY (Romans 12:2 says: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will.")

* Sometimes I think this is hard. I think that there is a belief among some Christians that we do not have to work at our relationship with God. If we go to Church for Christmas, Easter, and Mother's Day that we have done enough. However, God designed us to have a relationship with HIM.

* We must GROW together in the WORD of God! Spending time together in devotion, going to Church, and getting involved doing God's will is important.

3. Commitment to the MAINTENANCE of Marriage (Romans 12:9 states: " Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.")

*Nurture your relationship

* Work on patience

*Do nothing with your relationship and it will destroy

4. Commitment to the MIRACLE of Marriage (Romans 12: 18-19 says: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.")

*Let God take care of wrath.

If we focus on our relationship with God, I believe God will show us how to nurture our relationship with our spouse.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to stay focus on You and Your will for my life. Show me and Guide me to help nurture my relationship with my spouse. In your Son name, Amen.

There is FREEDOM

Have you ever felt tied down? Like the world is weighing you down and you aren't able to move? You are not alone! At some point we have all been there, some maybe more frequent than others.

There are times when we may be held down by our emotions, a specific trial we are going through, daily life, a sin, an addiction, or even family/friends. Thankfully there is one thing that can free us from all of our troubles. This thing that can free us does not cost anything but SAVES everything. Jesus Christ.

The Bible says:

"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death" (Romans 8:1-2).

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirt of the Lord is, there is freedom" 2 Corinthians 3:18.

If you have Jesus Christ residing in your heart, you can have freedom. Please take note that sin will always be present because Satan still roams. However, knowing that Jesus holds your heart in His hand and that your spirit will take residence in Heaven, this should give you peace. We will always have challenges to face, but with God on our side, the challenge becomes easier. Freedom is your, you just have to accept Christ into your heart. Here's how you can do that:

Dear Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner. I understand that sending your Son to die on the Cross in my place saves me from my sins. I ask that you forgive me and live in my heart. I accept you as my Lord and Savior. In your Precious Son's Name....Amen.

My Favorite Things...

Back in November, I did a challenge on Facebook. The challenge was simple: Make your status about something you are thankful for everyday. I will admit, this was challenging. Often times, Satan gets a hold of me and makes me into a negative person. Growing up in church and children's choir we learn to sing a song, "Count your blessings, name them one by one." Well naming my blessings one by one was/is difficult. I was amazed at trying to count 30 blessings (a different one each day). But, I knew that about half way through, Satan wanted me to NOT see the blessings that GOD placed in my life. I am composing a list, along with pictures of my blessings.

Now I know, the title says My Favorite Things. I want to stop and ask you, aren't your favorite things blessings as well? Each area/picture holds a special favorite memory/moment in it as well. This is by no means a list of everything that I am blessed with. This is a quickly compiled list. 1. Family: Now I know I do not have pictures of every family member, but hopefully this gives you the idea. (Pictures below: Me & Jason, Me & My Aunt Betty, Me & my Momma, Me & Jaydon).

2. Creativity: Some of the creative projects (Picture: Edible Arrangement my sister and I made, hearts made of cream pulled candy, Wedding Program I designed, Magnolia Tree Blossom made from sea shells, and a quilt I made my best friend).

3. Friends: Once again I will not be able to add all my friends...but I hope you get the idea. (Me, Sarah, Abi, Courtney & Samantha...Sarah, Me, Abi & Courtney....Me, Erica, & Samantha). Unfortunately, about a year ago my computer crashed and I lost most of my pictures...these are still good!

I give praise to God for His is the One who gives and takes away. Do you stop and thank God for all He has given to you?

Dear Lord, You are the One who knows my needs. Daily You are the one who provides for me. Thank you for your blessings. May my life be a blessing to someone else. Amen.