Learn to Listen

A foolish person is one that thinks they are always right. Often times when someone is speaking a word that corrects us we get upset and shut our ears. But true wisdom comes when we are able to appreciate and accept the knowledge of others. This holds true in marriage as well. There are some things that my wife knows that I don't because she is better experienced in particular areas,it is better to grow from her testimony then to have to be tested in that area myself.‭ we must learn to put our egos aside so we can hear wisdom (Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ MSG) Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice. 

Never be too prideful to listen to your spouse.

Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬ MSG)

Pride is a silent killer in a marriage. Many of us have it but we don't identify it until it's too late. We think our way is always the right way. Often times refusing to hear the heart of our mate because we already think we know everything including what they are thinking. We must teach ourselves to be better listeners to our spouses so that not only can we hear what they are saying, we will also be able to understand what they are not saying. 

Love your mate today by hearing their hearts and not just your own thoughts. 

Take the limits off.

Many times we enter marriage with expectations of a wife that is a princesses and a man that is a knight in shinning armor. And when those expectations are not met we feel cheated. Marriage is embracing and loving your spouse understanding that they may have some imperfections and remembering they are also loving you with the same thing in mind. I have yet to meet a marriage with two perfect people in it but I have encountered many happily married couples with two imperfect people that are perfect for each other. Love the one God has given you "Flaws and All"

The Blame Game

And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. (‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭11-12‬ KJV)

As husbands we must follow the directions of God, no excuses. Adam was passive when Eve offered him the fruit of the tree that God told HIM was off limits. Then he blamed God and Eve for HIS disobedience basically excusing himself from blame. It is easy to do things that we know are wrong to keep the peace in our homes. But how peaceful is that peace if it causes us to loose the peace of God?  We are not suppose to intentionally upset our wives by being dictators but instead we should be grace givers and God followers. And we should not get mad at our wives and at God when we get disciplined for our own disobedience. So Husbands love your wives while you stick to Gods Plan. Do what's right in the site of God and you and your family can continue to enjoy the peace that is only found in the Garden (Place God created for you to enjoy). 

Mind Control

Control your mind! You will be surrounded by negative thinkers but you don't have to be one of them. We must learn to think on goodly and Godly things. Don't waste your time focusing on negative things (people that wronged you, things you failed at years ago and current situations you have no control over). Instead focus on the fact that your loving God has a plan for your life with all its ups and downs. And everything will work out According to his plan. You get one chance to live today so don't waste it. 

(Scripture)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ KJV)

You are not an Island

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ KJV)

Many of us as men think being a man means you have to have all the answers and you must always be right. Thinking this way does not make you the man but it means you are delusional. 

James tells us that we need each other as men when he tells us to pray for one another.  But the problem we have with praying for each other is we are afraid to confess our faults, fears and frustrations to each other for the fear of looking like less than a man. Because of this many among us are sick. Many have become addicted to Pornography, alcohol, drugs and sex. And once pride settles in we do these things and don't see the wrong in them, or we justify them with Grace.  

James says if we confess and pray with and for one another we can be healed. Don't get sin sick because your afraid to let down your guard and confess to your brothers in Christ. Satan wants to get a hold of each of us but the Lord has already made a way of escape. Secret Sins Sink Souls. But confessions brings forth prayer which brings forth the healing and freedom that Jesus has already paid for. 

Leave your gift at the Altar

This is for married men but it applies to all Christian relationships.

Matt 5:23-25 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

This scripture tells us if we have a issue with our brother we must leave our gift at the altar and go Fix the relationship then we can come back and give our sacrifice to God. 

How many times do we see angry Worshippers? Worship is directional thus it is useless if the receiver or intended party (God) refuses it. 

God is telling us in order to truly worship the creator we must love the created(Brother, Sister in Christ including your spouse). Your wife is Gods workman ship.

Until your heart is right toward her, your worship to God will be empty and not from the position of s right heart.So when offenses arise take care of them quickly or your worship may not reach its destination.