MasterPlan Marriage

Here we are. Back? As the Lord leads! In the "mean and in between time" be blessed by this message the Lord placed on my heart to share with you all. Oh and by the way, the episode title has more to do with the message BUT if you do have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to email us at masterplanmarriage@gmail.com!

Foundation- the very ground on which your life, your marriage, everything about you stands. On where/what/who does your foundation lie? What about in your marriage?  In order to have marriages that please God, we ought to have individual genuine relationships with God. Our very foundation must be built on the rock that is Jesus Christ; in Him and Him alone. And it’s essential that we test our foundations regularly, especially since storms will come.

Scriptural references: Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭145:18; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Psalm 18:2, Matthew 7:11

Continuing from the previous episode, "Eat to endure.", this week we are encouraging husbands and wives all to stay the course of their marriages. Staying the course requires discipline and intentionality to avoid distractors and distance creators. We want to steward well the gift of marriage that has been placed in our hands, ultimately for the glory of God, our Father.

Scriptural references include: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:11-13; Colossians 3:23-24; ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:4-6‬; John 10:10; Matthew 25: 1-13; Proverbs 4:5-7; Mark 10:9

Continuing the conversation on finances in marriage, we sit down with Leighton and Yemi. Listen in and be prepared to take notes as they share their unique story, including starting young and making financial decisions that have led them to where they are today. They also discuss the impact of the outside "noise" - the loud and distinct opinions of well meaning loved ones on their marriage and provide sound advice for other married folk as well as for our single brothers and sisters. 

Scriptural reference: Jeremiah 29:11

Coming out of Luke 4: 14-30, we see how Jesus is taken for granted and overlooked in His own hometown of Nazareth. We can apply this to marriages. Let's be sure not to take our own spouses for granted. See your spouse for who God has called them to be, not who you know them to be!

Other scriptures referenced: Ephesians 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Romans 12:10

Don't forget you can always reach us at masterplanmarriage@gmail.com

It's about consistently choosing to, committing to staying connected to your husband or your wife no matter what. We share practical ways in which husbands and wives can remain joined together. (Mark 10:9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.)

Scriptural references include:

• 1 Corinthians 12-14; 
• Luke 18:1-8 The parable of the widow and the judge; 
• Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Coming from Genesis 16, we are here to encourage you today that El Roi- The God who sees, sees YOU in your situation. That's wherever you are, whether married or single, whether while things are going smoothly or not, God sees you, He knows you and what is going on around you. He is with you, He cares for you and He loves you with an everlasting love. Tune in and be encouraged to press on for His glory! 

What are you eating? What are you consuming through your ear gates/eye gates? What are you listening to? Who has your ear? What are you watching? What are you thinking about?

What you consume (listen to, watch) impacts your thoughts and behaviors, your marriage, your ministry, your walk with Christ. Pay attention and be intentional about your daily consumption. 

Scriptures reviewed in episode: Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8-9; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Colossians 3; Ephesians 4:17-32; 1 John 3:7, 2 Timothy 2:1; Revelation 12; 1 Peter 1:14-16 and Proverbs 4:23.

The question of the day: What does it mean to maximize your marriage?

To maximize is to (1) make as large or great as possible (God does this!) and (2) make the best use of. (we do this by the grace of God)

How: (1) Remembering/reviewing the benefits (2) Being aware of and avoiding the opposite of maximizing (deflate, reduce, play down, diminish, weaken)

Part 3 of our Living Single series stars Monjia Belizaire. Monjia, a young and beautiful woman of God, is open and honest as she shares her experience living life single to the glory of God. She does so with purpose, intentionality and grace. You don't want to miss hearing her story and the advice she has for our single brothers and sisters in Christ!

Following up from last week's episode "Baby enters stage right", Dr. Ayomide sits down with new parents, Yemi and Tolu to discuss the expected and unexpected changes that come with becoming father and mother in addition to adjusting as husband and wife.

Key Pointers:

• Communication is all the more necessary
• Extending grace toward oneself as well as to one's spouse will be beneficial
• Manage expectations (for self and spouse)

Scripture reference in episode: Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Parenting book recommendation: Shepherding a Child's Heart by Pastor Tedd Tripp. https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/shepherding-a-childs-heart/

What happens to a marriage when baby enters into the picture? And what can be done to help husband and wife, now father and mother keep the marriage at the forefront? Listen in as my lovely husband Joseph and I discuss the importance of communication, realistic expectations and adaptation as well as keeping Jesus at the center of it all.

A couple of scriptures to hold onto: 

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 

The parenting book mentioned in the episode is Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Pastor Tedd Tripp.