I am thankful for church's that have marriage classes. I went online to see what the speaker, John Gottman, was like, and was surprised to hear he is from Seattle and was featured on 20/20 back in 1993. I would like to play that segmant for you today-it is a bit longer than most of my videos, but worth the extra time. We need to always be building our marriages- or they can die.
Dennis Rainey is one of my hero's in building up marriages with his daily radio program (Family Life Today) and I support his ministry. This is one his devotions for couples;
Why God Comes First
When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God.
Psalm 73:16-17
If you were asked to name three things that pose the gravest general threats to the health of today's marriages--and to your marriage in particular--what would be on your list? When Barbara and I were asked the same question recently, here are the three we gravitated toward:
Threat number one is not really knowing who God is. In his book The Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer wrote, "The low view of God entertained almost universally among Christians is the cause of a hundred lesser evils among us." When we fail to attribute to God the majesty of His supreme position over us and all creation, we weaken our need to stay accountable to Him in our behaviors and attitudes toward each other. We also lower the healthy self-esteem that's derived from measuring our value in the light of His love and grace. Tozer summed it up, "The most important thing you think is what you think about God."
Threat number two is selfishness. This shows itself in numerous degrees, from not wanting to help fold socks . . . to not caring what our schedules are doing to our families . . . to outright adultery. But in reality, this second threat breeds on the first one. Lives that are being constantly molded and characterized by a fear of the Lord will move toward humility and self-denial rather than living to satisfy self.
Threat number three is lack of biblical skills in resolving conflict. Conflict happens in marriage. It is simply unavoidable. But many people are not fully aware of the wealth of scriptural truth on this subject. Just following the admonition of a verse like Ephesians 4:32--being "kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you"--will change your life.
A Baptist pastor was presenting a children's sermon. During the sermon, he asked the children if they knew what the resurrection was. Now, asking questions during children's sermons is crucial, but at the same time, asking children questions in front of a congregation can also be very dangerous. Having asked the children if they knew the meaning of the resurrection, a little boy raised his hand. The pastor called on him and the little boy said, "I know that if you have a resurrection that lasts more than four hours you are supposed to call the doctor." It took over ten minutes for the congregation to settle down enough from their laughter for the worship service to be continued.
An elderly couple, Pauline & Frank, were recently attending a church service at their retirement village.
About halfway through the service, Pauline took a pen and paper out of her purse, and wrote a note and handed it to Frank.
The note said:" I just let out a silent fart, what do you think I should do?"
Frank scribbled back: "Put a new battery in your hearing aid."
A man is talking to God.
The man: God, how long is a million years?
God: To me, it’s about a minute.
The man: God, how much is a million dollars?
God: To me it’s a penny.
The man: God, may I have a penny?
God: Wait a minute
Why God Comes First
When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God.
Psalm 73:16-17
If you were asked to name three things that pose the gravest general threats to the health of today's marriages--and to your marriage in particular--what would be on your list? When Barbara and I were asked the same question recently, here are the three we gravitated toward:
Threat number one is not really knowing who God is. In his book The Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer wrote, "The low view of God entertained almost universally among Christians is the cause of a hundred lesser evils among us." When we fail to attribute to God the majesty of His supreme position over us and all creation, we weaken our need to stay accountable to Him in our behaviors and attitudes toward each other. We also lower the healthy self-esteem that's derived from measuring our value in the light of His love and grace. Tozer summed it up, "The most important thing you think is what you think about God."
Threat number two is selfishness. This shows itself in numerous degrees, from not wanting to help fold socks . . . to not caring what our schedules are doing to our families . . . to outright adultery. But in reality, this second threat breeds on the first one. Lives that are being constantly molded and characterized by a fear of the Lord will move toward humility and self-denial rather than living to satisfy self.
Threat number three is lack of biblical skills in resolving conflict. Conflict happens in marriage. It is simply unavoidable. But many people are not fully aware of the wealth of scriptural truth on this subject. Just following the admonition of a verse like Ephesians 4:32--being "kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you"--will change your life.
A Baptist pastor was presenting a children's sermon. During the sermon, he asked the children if they knew what the resurrection was. Now, asking questions during children's sermons is crucial, but at the same time, asking children questions in front of a congregation can also be very dangerous. Having asked the children if they knew the meaning of the resurrection, a little boy raised his hand. The pastor called on him and the little boy said, "I know that if you have a resurrection that lasts more than four hours you are supposed to call the doctor." It took over ten minutes for the congregation to settle down enough from their laughter for the worship service to be continued.
An elderly couple, Pauline & Frank, were recently attending a church service at their retirement village.
About halfway through the service, Pauline took a pen and paper out of her purse, and wrote a note and handed it to Frank.
The note said:" I just let out a silent fart, what do you think I should do?"
Frank scribbled back: "Put a new battery in your hearing aid."
A man is talking to God.
The man: God, how long is a million years?
God: To me, it’s about a minute.
The man: God, how much is a million dollars?
God: To me it’s a penny.
The man: God, may I have a penny?
God: Wait a minute
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