Wednesday, October 3, 2012

WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK FROM AN AWESOME MARRIAGE?

What do you believe is holding back the awesome marriage you could be having? Are you sure? Fear is usually the main culprit for us not having the marriage of our dreams or the career we want. Some people actually have a fear of success. They fear that if their life will be too good, then it may not last. They fear what could happen instead of working on obtaining the results they want for their life and marriage. 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” Amplified Bible
 
In Luke 19: 1–9, we see that Zacchaeus had a goal; he wanted desperately to see Jesus. However, a very large crowd was in his way and being a short man he couldn't see over the crowd. Instead of him saying "Well I can't do this", "I am too short", Zacchaeus came up with a plan. Zacchaeus made a decision to see Jesus through the crowd. He decided no one would stop him. Zacchaeus expected Jesus to show up by the sycamore tree. He made a plan and followed through. He didn't allow others to dictate what he would receive from God. He didn't allow others to dictate the outcome of his dream. We must expect Jesus to show up in our marriage and in our bedroom. Tony & Alisa DiLorenzo have a great podcast on Jesus in my bedroom. Yes, Jesus is in your bedroom also. Why wouldn’t He be, God made sex for us to enjoy with each other and as a way to bring us closer together. Access the podcast here> http://www.oneextraordinarymarriage.com/130-jesus-in-my-bedroom
 
Let's now examine our marriages. Whatever barriers you believe are holding you back, no matter what they may be, they are only temporary barriers or obstacles. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells us to speak to our mountains. Too many times we make mountains out of molehills. Is the barrier (subject) a molehill or a mountain? Is it really worth battling with your spouse? It could just be that the barrier is worth both of you fighting for. Your marriage is worth fighting for! Fight with your spouse (not against them) to win the battle. You are on the same team.
 
No matter what, or who, Satan puts in our way, even if the doors seem closed, or barriers are in the way to accomplish your dream, be like Zacchaeus! I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippeans 4:13 NIV
 
Zacchaeus ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by. Zacchaeus refused to say no. "If I can't get past the crowd I will climb that tree to see Jesus." Jesus saw Zacchaeus when he arrived at the tree; he looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Jesus wanted it to stay at his house.
 
Don't let the fear of anyone or anything stop you from obtaining the marriage God has for you. Make a plan with God, be creative, and aggressively pursue a relationship with Jesus and pursue the awesome marriage God designed for you. Jesus will pass by and He will see you.
 
Jesus wants to stay in your house! It is up to us to invite Him in so we can live in the reward that He has set aside for us.

WHAT REJECTION MEANS

What does rejection mean? Rejection keeps us at a distance from those we love, like someone with an infectious disease. This is especially true for those of us who are adopted. The great news is that when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are adopted into God’s family. So I am adopted twice, a double blessing so to speak.
 
Rejection is one of our greatest fears. Being rejected by someone makes us feel small, insecure and unwanted. We lose our self-confidence.
 
When a husband is rejected by his bride, he feels unwanted, unloved and unvalued. Instead of saying no, why not ask for a rain check and set a day and time to come together again intimately? Do not let Satan or his demons win the mind game they will play in your husband’s mind. Satan, our enemy, uses the pain of rejection to stop you and keep you away from the call that God has for your life. His goal is to steal, kill and destroy – your marriage, family, finances, health, etc.
 
Husbands, if we are rejecting our wife’s advances, they will feel the same as when the tables are turned on us. So, here is our homework – 1 Corinthians 7:3-4, “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.” This is never to take advantage of your spouse but to show your love for them and to bring you closer together. Becoming One Flesh Ephesians 5:31, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
 
Rejection and the fear of rejection did not stop Jesus! He was determined, and persistent in his ministry. Even to the point of death on the cross for you and me. Jesus gave us authority over Satan and his demons.
 
Jesus was moved by the Holy Spirit whether people accepted him or not. Jesus knows all about rejection. He understands how we feel when we’re rejected because he experienced it so powerfully and personally.
 
God cares about you! You are Loved, Valued and Accepted. We must show our spouse how much they are loved, valued and accepted not just by our words but also by our actions.
 
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." Jeremiah 31:3 God draws us to Him in the same way we are to be drawn to our spouse.
 
"These people who survived the killing. Israel, out looking for a place to rest, met God out looking for them!" God told them, "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love! And so now I'll start over with you and build you up again," Jeremiah 31:3 Message Bible.
 
Are you hurt? The best medicine is God's Love + Love Others. We need to stop being selfish in the frame that we believe others owe us anything. We need to learn to care about other people and then the pain will go away.
 
Make a Decision. Live in God's Love.
 
Don't allow the rejection from a few stop you from blessing others – especially your spouse!