KEY'S TO A JOYFUL MARRIAGE
By Pastor Jim Jarman

First things first, I would like to start by saying that the number one key and the most important key in your life is Jesus Christ. Jesus must be the center of your personal life. In other words Jesus must be your Lord and Savior. He and He alone must rule and reign in your heart and life. And Jesus must be the center and the focus of your marriage union together.

After thirty years of marriage Joyce and I have learned some very valuable keys that we believe, through the help of the Holy Spirit, will help to build and strengthen you're marriage. So tighten up your seatbelt and let's go!

No matter what it takes, do not let the sun go down on your wrath - (Ephesians 4:26).
" Always settle everything that you can before going to bed. Because if you don't you will loose sleep, wake up cranky and carry this anger, frustration, and adjuration into tomorrow.
" Never allow anything or anyone to stop you from communicating with each other and discussing the issues or the insecurities that you may have. Communication, communication, communication is vital.

Be an instant forgiver, and never allow or permit a root of bitterness to set in anywhere. Forgiveness will help start the healing process - (Ephesians 4:31-32).
" Forgive on the spot, no matter what it cost. Forgive and release your spouse and don't dangle it in front of them days, weeks or months later.
" Never, ever allow a root of bitterness to set in or never allow your heart to become cold and calloused. The power of forgiveness will break this off of you.
" Quit pointing fingers at each other and point at the enemy and accuse him and stop accusing each other.

You must hold-on to each other, in good times and difficult times -
(I Corinthians 7:2-5).
" Don't let anything come between your personal time together. And stop withholding from one another as a form of punishment. Stop with all the excuses of: I have a headache, I'm to tired, My back hurts, The kids might come home, I have to work late or Not right now but maybe later. You might want to read what the Word of God has to say on this subject.

You both must learn to be good listeners - (Proverbs 15:1 / 29:11).
" Don't always do all the talking. Give your spouse an opportunity to express their self. And don't use a sharp tone voice when you speak.
" Ask God to help you to become a good listener, and to hear something all the way through, before you jump up and act on it.
" Remember, another way to express your thoughts and feelings is to write letters and notes to each other.

You both need to learn to laugh - (Proverbs 15: 12-15).
" Sometimes in order to make it through tuff times you both will need to learn to laugh at your enemies and sometimes at yourself and at each other. This can be a very healthy way of expression and great release.

Jesus must become the center of your personal lives and the center of your marriage and life together - (Hebrews 12:2).
" The depth of your personal relationship with Jesus Christ will determine the depth of your personal relationship with your spouse.
" Jesus loves to bless marriages and He desires to bless you and your future family life. He wants to bless every seed of your generation.
" There are times when you have to stand firm and fight the good fight of faith to keep this anointing in your life. Its worth fighting for.
" As we have said before, Jesus must be the center of your life.
" Jesus wants to be the third cord that makes your covenant so enduring.

Joyce and I are standing with you and believing and trusting God to move in a great and mighty way in your life and marriage. You are not alone here. We are standing in the gap for you in great prayer and intersession. And we believe that you and your spouse are not going to just barely make it. But we believe that you are going to make it well and you're going to make it with excellence in the mighty name of Jesus.
Hey, Joyce and I sure love you, we believe in you and we call you blessed.

CATCH THE VISION
Our mission at Agape Life Family Church is to take back the family, evangelize the lost and awaken the saved so they can live empowered lives by the Word of God and through the power of the great Holy Spirit. At Agape Life Family Church we're making a difference for the Kingdom of God by preaching, teaching and training believers, who the are in Christ Jesus and how to study and grab hold of God's Word, and how to walk by faith and not by sight. Agape Life Family Church, we're touching our community one heart at a time. ALFC we're moving, Forever Forward!
ALFC, we're more than a church, we're family!!!