Marriage God's Way by Kevin and Denita Leonard

My husband and I met in high school at the end of our 12th grade year. Prom was soon approaching and neither of us had dates. He asked me to prom, I said yes and that was the very beginning of our life long journey together.

As we continued to date we would often discuss marriage. I was raised in a Christian home and we were taught to date ‘God’s Way’ and then marry. We were 20 and 21 when we made the decision to marry soon. A lot of people were against our decision. They simply felt that we were too young to make such a huge, life altering decision. They felt that we couldn’t possibly be wise enough or

knowledgeable enough to enter into such a serious covenant.  Our parents, however, were among the few who were supportive. My mother and father were pastors of the church I was raised in and they both spoke with us concerning the decision. Soon after, we finalized our decision and set our date.

On February 4, 2005, at the ages of 20 and 21, we said our ‘I DO’s’. It was one of the the best days of our life.

Today, we’ve been married 7 years. Soon to be eight and we still say it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We don’t hold this sentiment in the midst of a trial-less Marriage but in the midst of an ever-thriving marriage.

My husband and I were aware of, just about, all that was expected from each of us in marriage. I knew Ephesian 5:22-25 all to well ...or so I thought. If I’ve learned anything these past seven years It’s been the true meaning and IMPORTANCE of a wives submission to her husband. When I was not in God's will in this area, our marriage would suffer tremendously. My husband was all to aware of the fact that he was to become the ‘Priest’ of our home and that he would be responsible for leading his family in worship and for establishing and implementing God's law in the home. It seemed all too easy from a distance; but when facing these challenges head on, my husband and I struggled,  As a result, our marriage suffered. We were aware of the snares the enemy would toss our way.

 

We were advised to pray together always, to forgive each other, not to harbor hate or bitterness, to keep communication lines open, to be honest and they were all things we planned to do. However, even these, assumed-to-be-simple, tasks became all so real. We both can testify to harboring unforgiveness towards one another. We both can testify to shutting down and closing lines of communication with each other. We both can testify to not fulfilling our roles, in our marriage, as God wanted ...and we suffered.

 

BUT, one day God dealt with us both seperately. He expressed the amazing plan he had for us and how we were allowing satan to steal all that he’d blessed our marriage to be. He showed us how, in one year (2012) the devil tried to drive us to end our marriage. And we both came together and cried out to God as husband and wife TOGETHER. And God moved on our behalf. We’ve been restored. This year was our Mountain and we made it over. SO CAN YOU!

We encourage any married couple who may be going through a difficult time or in an uncomfortable place............. PRAY! Don’t leave any room to satan. All he needs is an inch! Instead come together and pray. Love each other like God loves. Become selfless & put your spouse above yourself.

 

Marriage is a blessing and will be so meaningful and fulfilling when practiced God's way. God is a RESTORER. No matter where you find yourself in Marriage, God is MORE than able to Restore.

Make a decision to Love; not just in passion, but purposefully in action.  Exemplify the Love of God through your marriage.  And receive the harvest.

Kevin & Denita Leonard 

Who Told YOU it was 50/50? By Susan Holman

Thirty-five years ago, I was not in the church. I was raised in a cult that I didn’t agree with, and married a man in a similar spiritual condition. Our relationship was based on the 50/50 principle. We entered into it with an ‘if-then’ attitude. You know, If you do this, then I will do that. That’s what we thought marriage was supposed to be. No one was happy. We were going through the motions but neither of us was willing to commit ALL to each other. We later divorced. 

 

It was after all of this that I found a true relationship with God.

 
I connected with a minister friend and he taught me about Jesus. He told me how He went all the way to the cross for me, and if that wasn’t enough, He then went to hell to leave my sins there, and on to heaven to prepare a home for me. Now that is 100% and He did that for me! 

A year later, I married that minister friend and have learned over the years that I, too, must give my all...to Christ and to the covenants I have made with Him. This time I knew my marriage had to be 100/100. We would both have to give our ALL. And when my husband didn’t FEEL like it, I still had to give my all. And vice-versa. 

You see, marriage is all about Jesus. Marriage is a covenant with God. It is not a contract.  It is not just a partnership with my spouse, it is a blood covenant with GOD!

HE expects me to fulfill it even to death! If I live for Christ, then I must keep this covenant! [Now I’m not telling anyone to stay in an abusive situation. There are times when you have to leave, but make sure you are considering your relationship with God. He doesn’t change His mind, even though we change ours!]

Covenant-keeping is never about our spouse. It is always about us! God never told the children of Israel to do anything IF the other party was doing right. They were simply told to do right! And then He spelled out what was right. It’s the same with marriage. YOU chose your mate. YOU made a covenant with GOD concerning YOUR role in that relationship! Not your spouse’s role.

God expects us to love unconditionally, WE must keep every vow we have made...Whether our spouse does or not. It’s not about ‘them’. It is about us. (We can’t change anyone but ourselves!)

50/50 is just a notion that man made up to excuse himself from doing what is right. No one will get to heaven with a half-way attitude. Let’s go ALL the way….and if both of you give 100%-100% of the time...your marriage will be blessed beyond imagination. Don’t just try to do right in some things. Do it in all things and live!

Have you ever seen a cat on a tree hanging on for dear life?  As you try to pry it off, he cleaves to that tree; fighting to hold on like his life depends on it. Cleave to your spouse, holding on for dear life. Forsake all others-No one is to come between you and your spouse, not your friends, or family.

 

If you are not yet in the Body of believers...You need God to help you every step of the way. Find Him now!!! HE will help YOU even if your spouse never seeks God for themselves!

 
Jesus came that we might have life...and that more abundantly, even in our marriages! God bless you always.

Your Sister in Christ,

Susan Holman