Relationship: 7 Sins That Can Cripple Marriages

Did you know there are sins that can cripple every marriage? Yes, there are.

You realize there are no perfect marriages because there are no perfect people. Right?

Let me repeat that. There are no perfect marriages because there are no perfect people. 

Every marriage will have seasons that are more difficult than others. I often encounter couples in our church that think they are unique. Because we tend to put on our happy faces at church, they believe theirs is the only marriage in a bad season.

In fact, I'm convinced not understanding how many couples have weathered through these rocky places in marriage may be a reason many couples give up on their marriage. If they understood how normal they are, they might be more willing to raise the white flag—ask for help—and work to restore the marriage. 

I have observed over the years there are some issues in marriages that, if not addressed, can be crippling to the marriage. These are the "biggies." They may manifest themselves in other ways, but if you could trace back to the origin, you would find these to be at fault.

And let's not sugarcoat. They are sins. We have all sinned. We all sin. Every marriage is comprised of two sinners. 

This is the real reason there are no perfect marriages. 

Left to fester on their own, these sins will eventually be the destroyer of the marriage or certainly keep it from achieving the oneness God commanded. 

So, what are these damaging sins? I'm glad you asked.

Here are seven damaging sins that can cripple every marriage:

1. Selfishness – Marriage won't work without mutual submission. Read Ephesians 5:21. Marriage is not a 50/50 arrangement. Ideally it's to be a 100/100 bond—where both spouses willingly yield their all. (I used the word ideal, because your marriage is not there and neither is mine.) When one spouse demands their way or will never work toward a compromise the relationship can never be all it should be. One person is happy—the one who got their way—the other is miserable.  

2. Discontent – I've said before—boredom is perhaps the No. 1 destroyer of marriage. There will be seasons in every relationship that aren't as "exciting" as others. Some days you will "feel" more in love than other days. But the key to a long-term relationship is a commitment beyond emotion. 

3. Pride – When one spouse can never admit they are wrong or see their own flaws, it opens the door for a wedge of bitterness in the other spouse. Pride is also destructive when the couple is too proud to admit their struggles or get the help they need. 

4. Unforgiveness – Holding on to past hurts not only damages the marriage bond, it destroys the person who refuses to forgive. Trust can't be developed until forgiveness is granted. Isn't grace received expected to be extended? 

5. Anger – The Scripture is clear: We should not go to bed in anger. There is a reason for that command. Anger is a wedge, one that only grows wider over time when not dealt with. 

6. Complacency – As soon as you think you're marriage is above the problems of other relationships, you're in trouble. The enemy loves to attack the unaware. 

7. Coveting – Couples who compare themselves to other couples will almost always be disappointed. There will always be people with more—and it likely isn't making them as happy as you think it does. Keep in mind, many times people disguise their struggles well. The couple you think has it all may wish they had what you have. Every couple is unique. Comparison only leads to frustration. 

Ask yourself this question: Which of these sins is most prevalent in my marriage today? Which is causing the greatest harm? Which of these, while it may not be an issue today, could become an issue if we don't get serious about it soon?

Be honest with yourself—and ultimately—with your spouse.

Ron Edmondson

Prayer For The New Week

The Almighty God will never leave nor forsake you at anytime of your life. God will rewrite your story this month in Jesus name. The ground you walk shall produce Abundance, the sky above you shall rain down Blessings, the Breeze around you shall blow Peace and everything shall work well for you in Jesus name.
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

Happy new week folks, from us ASB'sWorld.

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Relationship: 8 Things You're Doing for Women Other Than Your Wife

"Is it possible that I could be doing certain things for the women I encounter each day, but I'm not

doing them for my wife?" 

The short answer is yes, but let's talk more about the reasons why this might be happening.

You don't need to read this article to know that marriage relationships are typically very strong at the beginning. The feeling of fresh love is in the air, the desire for intimacy is strong and the overall feelings from each spouse are mutual.

That's old news for most of us.

But here's where it gets interesting. Here's where the true challenge comes up in marriage. Ready?

Time. As time passes, things happen, stories unfold and the relationship takes its hits. Most couples can expect this, but few know what's actually happening or, worse, how to resolve it.

Here are 3 reasons why men start to take a back seat in their marriage and forget what is most important:

1. Routine. Routines in marriage are going to happen. It's inevitable. But the couples that are aware of it are the ones who have the best chance of survival. As time goes on and routines take more and more shape, it's important to not forget what is important to each spouse and take action in those areas often.

2. Assumptions. We all know the saying about assumptions, so I won't go there, but it does hold true. Newly married couples love to do wonderful things for their spouse, but after a few years, those things tend to fade.

Assumptions are different than routines. An assumption means you know what would be nice to do for your spouse and then assume they don't need it. Or assume that doing it last week was enough. What we need to do is assume that the love tank is always going dry and therefore always needs to be filled up!

3. A rough past. Rough circumstances in a marriage can be the worst effect of all. Routines can be adjusted, assumptions can take place because of a lack of understanding or communication, but a rough past can put a large "STOP" sign in front of any nice gestures to your spouse.

In other words, you know what your spouse needs, but you refuse to give it to them. Too many past issues have come up and too many are unresolved.

All of these scenarios can be resolved, but they can have some major negative effects in the meantime. One of the worst effects is doing things for other women that you won't do for your wife anymore, either by choice or simple neglect.

Because of the issues mentioned above, here are 8 things you might be doing for women other than your wife:

Let me also insert here that doing these things for other women is not wrong, because we should always strive to be respectful to all women. The issue is when you are treating other women better than you are treating your wife. Your wife should be getting this kind of treatment first and foremost.

1. Holding the door open. You may call it old-school or cliche, but holding the door open for your wife will mean a lot to her. Don't just step up when you see a stranger coming or a co-worker in need; make sure your wife gets even better treatment.

2. Thanking them for their help or services. It might be easy to thank the nice woman at the checkout line or even affirm a co-worker for their help, but your wife also needs to know her help is noticed and appreciated! Pay attention to what your wife does for you and speak up in thankfulness more often.

3. Valuing their choices and opinions. You may not always agree with your wife's choices or opinions, but as her husband, you need to take more effort in understanding why she might be making those decisions. Think about some recent conversations with other women. We're you more likely to agree or disagree with them? Be honest.

4. Admiring their beauty. When you are away from your wife, are you able to keep your eyes and heart in check? When you see an attractive woman, are you more likely to look away or look in places that you shouldn't? Those answers are for you, but I want you to consider why you don't look at your wife that way. Why isn't she your standard? Make her your standard of physical and emotional beauty, and you might have an easier time when you're not around her.

5. Thinking before you speak. When I'm at work and I need to approach a woman, I tend to think about my choice of words before I speak. And not only that, but I tend to choose my words more carefully during conversation. Is this the case with your wife? Strive to be a mature husband who thinks before he speaks.

6. Honestly listening. Staying in line with No. 5, listening skills are a must for a great marriage. Think about the last time you were with friends. Were you more likely to be rude and not engage in listening to the conversations? Or were you listening intently so that you would be part of the group. Well, make sure your wife is part of the group. Make sure you are paying attention to her words and responding to them, and not just waiting for your turn to talk.

7. Smiling. Yes, smiling. Around friends or even co-workers, I can find myself keeping a consistent smile on my face. Not to look weird, but to make the other person feel welcomed and comfortable. Do you do this around your wife? Think about keeping a smile on your face the next time you have a regular conversation with her. When she asks why you're smiling, tell her how much you love her!

8. Having fun. If I happen to be in a situation where I start running into the same woman day after day or week after week, I can start to get comfortable with her. Even if I don't know her, it becomes easy to say hi and then add some little jokes here or there. It seems harmless, but it starts to matter if you're doing it for them and not your wife. A good marriage can handle a little bit of joking and teasing (within reason). Have fun with your wife again this week.

Dig deep and make sure you are not treating other women better than your wife. Make sure your wife is getting the attention she needs from you. Take action this week.

Question: Which one of these steps do you need to take action on in your own marriage today?

Manturity

Happy New Month of December

Despite all odds, you will get your heart desires before the end of this month of December in Jesus 


Name. All your helpers who have forgotten you will soon begin to show interest in your matter.The Merciful God will shower His uncommon grace upon you and make u glad in all your ways Jesus Name.

Welcome to the new month of December, from us ASB's World.

KEEP MOVING!

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works. . . ." Revelation 2:5

When we hear the word "backslider," we think of someone who completely abandons their faith and turns their back on God. And certainly a person who does this could be classified as a backslider.

But do you know that there might be some people who are backsliding and aren't even aware of it? No one plans on backsliding. You don't wake up one day and decide. No, that is not what happens.

Backsliding happens subtly, and often it happens gradually. In fact, it may be so subtle that you may not even know that it is actually taking place.

The Bible warns about this and tells us that one of the signs of the end times is that people will fall away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1).

God says that if we have backslidden, we should return to Him ( Jeremiah 3:22). And Jesus told the church in Ephesus, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen" (Revelation 2:5).

Are you in a fallen state today? Are you in the process of backsliding? You are either going forward in Christ, or you are going backward. You are either progressing, or you are regressing.

And the moment you put your walk with Christ into neutral, you will find yourself going in the wrong direction. So don't rest on your laurels. Don't live in the past. We need to be constantly growing as followers of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, help me move forward in my walk with You.

Scriptural Reading: Revelation 2:5

Health: These Two Ingredients You Can Get Rid of Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal nail infections can be very painful and uncomfortable. They appear as a result of moisture, bacteria or mold.
When the nail or the skin under your nail becomes thickened, discolored, damaged or broken that is first sign of fungal infection.

If you don’t treat it properly it can become worse and spread around. This is very serious because your whole nail can get infected and eventually it may fall out.
If a person has certain health conditions, such as the following the risk of developing

a fungal nail infection may be increased:
• psoriasis or diabetes
• poor general health
• a weakened immune system

The danger of nail infections include other factors that may increase:
• constant nail biting
• using artificial nails
• nail damage
• smoking

One of the most effective remedies against fungal infections is Baking soda.
Combination of baking soda and apple cider vinegar is a perfect tool to cure fungal infection. Baking soda can prevent fungus’ spread and growth and vinegar is used to destroy the fungus.

You’ll need:
• 5 tbsp baking soda
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• Water

Instructions:
pour the vinegar in a bigger bowl. For 15-20 minutes soak your feet in the vinegar. You can dry your feet with a paper cloth. Repeat this procedure once more, but this time add the baking soda to the vinegar.
For achieving good results it is recommended to do this treatment several times a day. SOURCE

OPEN YOUR MOUTH WIDE

I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. - Psalm 81:10

The movie "Blank Check" tells the story of a young man who finds a blank cheque complete with the signature! His imagination begins to run wild.

He thinks about cashing the cheque for $1,000 then $10,000. He finally decides to make the cheque out for $1 million dollars.

The boy takes the cheque to the bank to have it cashed. Now we all know that in order to cash a cheque the money has to be in the account. Amazingly the cheque is good and he leaves the bank with $1 million cash!

God's promises are like the blank cheque that the young man found. As we read the Bible we find many promises that the Lord has left for us to claim.

Through those promises, we are able to draw on the limitless supply of God's account in heaven.

From Genesis to Revelation, there are blank cheques to cover our health, peace, marriage, children, labour or any other area of our lives.

Some find their 'blank cheque' as they study God's word for their daily devotion; others find their cheque as they listen to the preaching of the word or as they read an inspired Christian book.

Each of those promises are made up of simple words but behind those simple words are the power that created the entire universe.

Like the young boy, you can decide how much you want to claim from the promises of God. You receive according to the level of your faith and trust in the Lord.

Will you limit God's power, or believe Him without reservation?

The cheque is in your hands; write the amount you want.

Prayer: Lord, I believe in Your promises and claim them in the name of Jesus.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 81:1-16