Give yourself some grace. Did you speak harshly to your spouse, act selfishly, or pout when you didn't get your way? We all have our moments, but it's in these moments that we can grow! Choose to forgive yourself, apologize and ask forgiveness from your spouse, then move on. And bonus! It's amazing how much easier it is to extend grace and forgiveness to your spouse once you learn how to first forgive and deal with your own shortcomings.
Union 28
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
How do you serve your spouse?
Tyler sent me a great website that has some neat ideas on how to serve your spouse. Check it out!
http://www.givingcouples.com
http://www.givingcouples.com
Look to God, Not your Spouse
This is from Crosswalk.com by Dr. Gary Smalley
When my wife stopped fighting me about my obsession toward work, as well as other issues, she unleashed a powerful force in my life, though neither of us understood it at the time.
Independent of me, Norma learned how to get in line and bring her needs to God. Rather than complain to me, she prayed, "Lord, thank you that all I need is you. You know I want a good relationship with Gary and that I want him to spend more time at home. You also know that I'm not very strong physically. I'm so tired that I don't feel I can last much longer under this strain. I'm coming to you with these requests because I know that if I need Gary at home, you can make it happen. Or you can take away my desire for him to be home. I'm going to stop fighting Gary and instead ask you either to change him or to meet my needs in some other way."
To find God's fulfillment, Norma took steps similar to those I later discovered. She stopped expecting life from me and started looking to God. She realized I not only would not, but could not, energize her life, so she went to the source of life and asked Him to energize her.
The results were startling. I noticed the change almost immediately. When I came home from work, I sensed a calm spirit in our house. Norma's face was peaceful, no longer tense. Instead of the usual harsh words, her conversation was quiet and she was more interested in asking me how my day had gone that in relating her activities with the children.
It was in that context that Norma talked to me about her need for help. A few days later, I couldn't keep from asking what had happened. "Gary, I got tired of fighting you," she explained calmly. "I realized that I wasn't trusting God concerning our marriage and family, and so I decided to stop complaining and start praying. I've told God that I would like you to spend more time at home, and if I really need that, I know God will make the necessary changes."
Imagine what that did to me. I was instantly convicted that my priorities were wrong. And that wasn't all. Because Norma had changed, I wanted to spend more time at home. That was the week I asked Bill to change my job so I could spend more time meeting my family's needs.
What Norma did summarizes the conclusion of the first four chapters of this book. She stopped looking to people, things, and her work, and turned instead to a trustworthy God who answers the persistent prayers of His children. God promises life -- and God delivers!
Some may think Norma just disguised her selfishness by asking God to change me instead of nagging me to change. I disagree. I encourage wives to ask God for a good relationship with their husbands and children. That request is not selfish. A good relationship benefits not only the wife, but the entire family, the Christian community, and ultimately our nation and the entire world. It also glorifies God, because a godly marriage is a picture of our relationship with Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 5:22-25).
Once we're into the habit of seeking fulfillment from the world, we won't learn overnight to look to God as the source of life. It took Norma and me several years before looking to the Lord became our natural, first response, and we still catch ourselves focusing on someone or something other than God.
When my wife stopped fighting me about my obsession toward work, as well as other issues, she unleashed a powerful force in my life, though neither of us understood it at the time.
Independent of me, Norma learned how to get in line and bring her needs to God. Rather than complain to me, she prayed, "Lord, thank you that all I need is you. You know I want a good relationship with Gary and that I want him to spend more time at home. You also know that I'm not very strong physically. I'm so tired that I don't feel I can last much longer under this strain. I'm coming to you with these requests because I know that if I need Gary at home, you can make it happen. Or you can take away my desire for him to be home. I'm going to stop fighting Gary and instead ask you either to change him or to meet my needs in some other way."
To find God's fulfillment, Norma took steps similar to those I later discovered. She stopped expecting life from me and started looking to God. She realized I not only would not, but could not, energize her life, so she went to the source of life and asked Him to energize her.
The results were startling. I noticed the change almost immediately. When I came home from work, I sensed a calm spirit in our house. Norma's face was peaceful, no longer tense. Instead of the usual harsh words, her conversation was quiet and she was more interested in asking me how my day had gone that in relating her activities with the children.
It was in that context that Norma talked to me about her need for help. A few days later, I couldn't keep from asking what had happened. "Gary, I got tired of fighting you," she explained calmly. "I realized that I wasn't trusting God concerning our marriage and family, and so I decided to stop complaining and start praying. I've told God that I would like you to spend more time at home, and if I really need that, I know God will make the necessary changes."
Imagine what that did to me. I was instantly convicted that my priorities were wrong. And that wasn't all. Because Norma had changed, I wanted to spend more time at home. That was the week I asked Bill to change my job so I could spend more time meeting my family's needs.
What Norma did summarizes the conclusion of the first four chapters of this book. She stopped looking to people, things, and her work, and turned instead to a trustworthy God who answers the persistent prayers of His children. God promises life -- and God delivers!
Some may think Norma just disguised her selfishness by asking God to change me instead of nagging me to change. I disagree. I encourage wives to ask God for a good relationship with their husbands and children. That request is not selfish. A good relationship benefits not only the wife, but the entire family, the Christian community, and ultimately our nation and the entire world. It also glorifies God, because a godly marriage is a picture of our relationship with Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 5:22-25).
Once we're into the habit of seeking fulfillment from the world, we won't learn overnight to look to God as the source of life. It took Norma and me several years before looking to the Lord became our natural, first response, and we still catch ourselves focusing on someone or something other than God.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Women's Bible Study Opportunities
Two different Bible Studies are being started soon for our class!
Tuesday mornings at The Kuzmich's house at 930am. We are doing the Beth Moore study, Esther.We will also watch the videos to go along with the study. Breakfast is provided. You can find more info on the book HERE.
Thursday evenings around 6:30 at The Jenkin's house. We will be using Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. You can check out more info about the book HERE. This should be starting around March 29th. You can email Lesli for more details at lesli.jenkins@gmail.com
Tuesday mornings at The Kuzmich's house at 930am. We are doing the Beth Moore study, Esther.We will also watch the videos to go along with the study. Breakfast is provided. You can find more info on the book HERE.
Thursday evenings around 6:30 at The Jenkin's house. We will be using Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. You can check out more info about the book HERE. This should be starting around March 29th. You can email Lesli for more details at lesli.jenkins@gmail.com
Monday, March 19, 2012
Memorize the Book of Galatians
Here is the link for the schedule to memorize the book of Galatians. Hopefully this will work :-)
https://docs.google.com/open?id=1hCQA5Vjyi_Fj8btl_dCmbAoBpOxK-hh_Ot0xxhFqXO2Q8Kzrtyn8EbMfFim0
https://docs.google.com/open?id=1hCQA5Vjyi_Fj8btl_dCmbAoBpOxK-hh_Ot0xxhFqXO2Q8Kzrtyn8EbMfFim0
Marriage Tip Monday
One of the best things you can do for your marriage; learn how to communicate effectively! Say what you mean and how you're feeling, but do so in a loving, non-threatening tone. Then listen to your spouse. It's amazing how often we assume our spouse knows what we want, how we feel, and what we need. No one is a mind-reader. Learning how to communicate can simplify your life and increase your intimacy!
Union 28
Union 28
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Live Streaming
Can't make it to church one Sunday? Now you can watch the sermon live at http://www.justin.tv/FirstIrving
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Galatians Homework
This week's homework is to read Galatians 1:10-17. Please bring any questions or thoughts you may have to discuss on Sunday.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Galatians Study
Our Study of Galatians
My hope is that we can own the book of Galatians through individual, couple, and group study. We will let you know the passage for each week beforehand as well as a verse to memorize if you want to join us in memorization.
Bible Study Preparation for Sunday, March 11:
Read Galatians (all) taking notes on context then focus on 1:1-9 verse by verse throughout the week taking notes of questions for the group
Memorize 1:3-5
Look over handouts including background information and maps (may also want to skim over the Acts references on the map to gain context of Paul's interaction with the area of Galatia)
Talk about the passages and memorize with your spouse
These following ideas are derived from two books by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth and How to Read the Bible Book by Book.
Bible Study (General)
The goal of interpretation is "To get at the plain meaning of the text"
-Correct interpretation "brings relief to the mind as well as a prick or prod to the heart."
Nature of Scripture:
-Eternally Relevant
-Historic Particularity
-Different genres of writings
-Speaking to people in a different culture
2 tasks in Bible Study are
1. Exegesis- trying to understand the then and there
2. Hermeneutics- hearing the word for here and now (interpretation)
Exegesis
-trying to find the original intent of the words of the Bible
-must be done on every passage (not just difficult passages)
-Good exegesis asks two types of questions:
-Context: Historical (background of author or characters; cultural differences;purpose and occasion) and Literary (sentences and how they relate to the argument/flow of the text-"What's the point of this sentence?")
-Content: what the text means; may require good translation, Bible dictionary, and Biblical commentary
Hermeneutics
-trying to apply the passage to the here and now through a correct interpretation
-not totally subjective (there are incorrect interpretations of scripture usually based on bad exegesis, ex. Health and Wealth Gospel from 3 John 2)
-Holy Spirit guides us (Pray)
-Community helps us (Come to ABF on Sunday mornings!)
-A text can never mean what it never meant.
Specific study of the Epistles
-They are letters: written on a certain occasion, not primarily to expound theology
Exegesis
Recreate Situation: Do this by reading the entire letter of Galatians in a sitting and take notes:
1. What you notice about the recipients themselves (eg. Are they Jew or Greek, wealthy or slave, problems they are facing, attitudes, etc.)
2. Paul's attitudes
3. Any specific things mentioned to the occasion of the letter
4. The letter's natural, logical divisions (the form of the text)
Literary context
-Trace Paul's argument (think paragraphs and ask "What's the point?")
2 Questions:
1. What does Paul say in this paragraph?
2. Why does he say this now? How does this further his argument? (Work towards developing a single goal or thesis statement for the book)
Hermeneutics
2 Rules
1. A text can never mean what it never meant.
2. Whenever we share common particulars with the 1st Century hearers, God's word is the same to us as it was to them. (example: We still have local churches, so text's referring to the church could apply to us)
What about passages to which we don't relate?
1. Find clear principle
2. Apply truly similar situation
*We must be careful not to over apply the scriptures
Jordan's Bible Study Method (Just a suggestion)
1. Pray
2. Read whole letter (at least twice a week)
3. Read chapter for context daily
4. Focus on specific verse at a time (one or two only)
5. Make notes on context and content (questions above)
-Look up unfamiliar words
-Look up cross-references
-See OT or NT references
-Use a commentary, but only after personal study
6. Meditate on the meaning of the text now that you understand the original meaning
7. Try to write out the verse in your own words
8. Make applications to here and now (if possible) based on these principles
9. Memorize the verse (repetition can bring new meaning to the verse as it comes to mind throughout your day)
Monday, March 5, 2012
Marriage Tip Monday
Create a Daily Point of Contact - a scheduled moment in your day where you can focus on, connect with, and affirm your spouse! Here are some ideas: Give your spouse an intentional kiss and "I love you" before parting ways for the day, greet your spouse with a hug each evening upon his/her arrival home, call your spouse over your lunch break, pray together after you crawl in bed each night, shower together as part of your morning or night routine, or send a daily "love-note" email.
Union 28
Union 28
Monday, February 27, 2012
Marriage Tip Monday
On The Job Training
Marriage is to be held in honor among all. Hebrews 13:4
When a buffet restaurant offered a free Valentine's Day lunch to any couple who's been married for 50 years or more, over 300 people showed up. At a gathering like that, you get a lot more than a good time and good food; you also learn some good advice on what it takes to make a marriage last:
* "If I want anything fairly expensive, I'll talk it over with him, and he'll do the same with me."
* " When you go to bed, always kiss good-night. We always kiss good-bye when we leave each other."
* "I'm the boss. I make sure that everything she wants gets done."
* "Treat each other with kindness, love, and respect. Just work it out together. Don't fuss. We stay mad an hour or two, but that's it...and it's fun to make up."
* "Look at thing in different ways and concentrate on the 'good' in your relationship. I always say 'This too shall pass' and it usually does."
* "You do a lot of counting to 10.....or 20, if necessary."
* "We were always taught, 'Till death do you part.' Divorce was never discussed in our house.
*"When he was young, he was high-tempered, so I usually didn't say much. But when you don't say anything, you don't have to take anything back."
* "When we said 'I do', we didn't say it was just for tomorrow. You've got to tie the knot where it can't be untied."
Spoken like real pros.
DISCUSS
Regardless of how long you've been married, what would you say are the secrets of your commitment to each other?
PRAY
Ask God for many years together....and for all the daily requirements of life-long love.
Taken from Moments with You by Dennis & Barbara Rainey
Marriage is to be held in honor among all. Hebrews 13:4
When a buffet restaurant offered a free Valentine's Day lunch to any couple who's been married for 50 years or more, over 300 people showed up. At a gathering like that, you get a lot more than a good time and good food; you also learn some good advice on what it takes to make a marriage last:
* "If I want anything fairly expensive, I'll talk it over with him, and he'll do the same with me."
* " When you go to bed, always kiss good-night. We always kiss good-bye when we leave each other."
* "I'm the boss. I make sure that everything she wants gets done."
* "Treat each other with kindness, love, and respect. Just work it out together. Don't fuss. We stay mad an hour or two, but that's it...and it's fun to make up."
* "Look at thing in different ways and concentrate on the 'good' in your relationship. I always say 'This too shall pass' and it usually does."
* "You do a lot of counting to 10.....or 20, if necessary."
* "We were always taught, 'Till death do you part.' Divorce was never discussed in our house.
*"When he was young, he was high-tempered, so I usually didn't say much. But when you don't say anything, you don't have to take anything back."
* "When we said 'I do', we didn't say it was just for tomorrow. You've got to tie the knot where it can't be untied."
Spoken like real pros.
DISCUSS
Regardless of how long you've been married, what would you say are the secrets of your commitment to each other?
PRAY
Ask God for many years together....and for all the daily requirements of life-long love.
Taken from Moments with You by Dennis & Barbara Rainey
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
31 Days of Praying for Your Husband
Wives, please check out this blog. It has 31 different prayers to cover your husband with. It is your responsibility and privilege to be praying for your man!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Date Night
While Bobby and I were dating and we would go out to eat, I would see couples just sitting there, not talking. I thought, we'll never be that way. We'll always have so much to talk about. Fast forward 5 years, and we are that couple. We are comfortable with each other and don't feel the need to fill the silence all the time. Thanks to Pinterest, I came across this list of 50 questions you can ask your spouse, so I thought it would be fun to list a few of them. Here are the first 10. Check out the blog to see the rest of them.
1. What are your 5 favorite foods, with the most favorite first?
2. What are your 5 favorite kinds of meals, with the most favorite first?
3. What are your 5 favorite desserts, with the most favorite first?
4. What are your 5 favorite restaurants, with the most favorite first?
5. What is your favorite color?
6. What are your 5 favorite hobbies, with the most favorite first?
7. What are your 5 favorite recreations, with the most favorite first?
8. What are your 5 favorite sources of reading, with the most favorite first?
9. What gifts do you like?
10. What is your favorite books(s) of the Bible? Why?
1. What are your 5 favorite foods, with the most favorite first?
2. What are your 5 favorite kinds of meals, with the most favorite first?
3. What are your 5 favorite desserts, with the most favorite first?
4. What are your 5 favorite restaurants, with the most favorite first?
5. What is your favorite color?
6. What are your 5 favorite hobbies, with the most favorite first?
7. What are your 5 favorite recreations, with the most favorite first?
8. What are your 5 favorite sources of reading, with the most favorite first?
9. What gifts do you like?
10. What is your favorite books(s) of the Bible? Why?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Facebook Group
If you haven't heard, Philip set us up with not only a Twitter account, but a Facebook group also! Check us out and ask to join. I think we have all the major media outlets covered now :-)
Remember, if you ever have anything to post to the blog, let me know. If you come across a great devotion that spoke to you, or another blog that lifted you up, send it to me. I would love to have something everything that helps strengthen our marriages!
Remember, if you ever have anything to post to the blog, let me know. If you come across a great devotion that spoke to you, or another blog that lifted you up, send it to me. I would love to have something everything that helps strengthen our marriages!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Marriage Tip Monday
Here's something fun to try for a week...set up a ratio of "together-time" to TV-watching. So for example, "allow" yourselves 1 hour of TV for each hour you spend together doing non-TV activities, like going for a walk, talking, playing a game, having family devotions or dinner together, etc. Or choose another increment...maybe 15 min of together-time will "earn" an hour of TV. Sometimes starting small is an easier adjustment. The ratio can always be tweaked the following week!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sunday ABF
Don't forget this Sunday, February 19th, we are meeting with the
Roads Group. Plan on meeting in the Fellowship Hall during our regular
ABF time (11:15). The topic will be Singleness and Marriage.
In case it's been awhile since you've been, First Baptist Irving is at 403 S Main St. Irving,TX. You can get more directions HERE.
Hope to see you all there!
In case it's been awhile since you've been, First Baptist Irving is at 403 S Main St. Irving,TX. You can get more directions HERE.
Hope to see you all there!
Friday, February 17, 2012
100 Ways to Make your Marriage Rock
Thursday, February 16, 2012
A Night of Psalms
Sunday night February 26, at 6:30 PM, First Baptist Irving is proud to present, " A Night of Psalms" - An Extraordinary Night of music and worship to benefit the SEALS ministry of First Irving, which feeds the homeless in downtown Dallas week in and week out.
First Baptist Irving is asking guests to fill one brown paper gift sack with travel size toiletry items (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, comb, lotion, & disposable razors) to the church, which will serve as your ticket for "A Night of Psalms." Please bring the filled bag with you to the church that evening.
It is an honor to be able to be the hands and feet of Christ in Irving. Please make plans to join us and participate that evening, as we seek to minister to the community of Irving and sing worship to our God on February 26.
For more information, contact the church office.
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