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Life Changes for Couples Partners or Competitors? Today’s Lesson – May 22, 2016 Life Changes for Couples Partners or Competitors?

Life Changes for Couples by James M. Reeves A Biblical 12-Step Journey for Marriage Enrichment

Partner - or - Competitor You want to dominate a competitor You want to support a partner You want to intimidate a competitor You want to encourage a partner You want to beat a competitor Your want to build up a partner

Partner - or - Competitor You line up across from a competitor and butt heads You line up beside a partner and hold hands You walk away from the competitor when the challenge ends You walk with a partner to the next challenge

(advance slide to play video) Can two walk together except they be agreed? Amos 3:3 Do not become partners with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness? II Corinthians 6:14 (advance slide to play video)

The Challenge of Expectations: Each of us comes to the marriage with needs and expectations. Some we may have voiced while dating and courtship. Others may not have surfaced or may only come out during times of disagreement and then be masked as other issues. What is worse - we may expect we share the same needs.

Which scenario represents how you came to your marriage in the beginning? To meet your Spouse’s needs To have your Spouse meet your needs How is it working for you?

Which Reservoir is Your Marriage? Do you both replenish your marriage? Is one of you taking from the marriage? Are you both taking from the marriage? Reservoirs need life-giving water flowing to keep them alive Marriages that focus on giving and not getting remain healthy and vibrant

The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. I Corinthians 7:3 - 4

My Spouse’s Top Five Needs Are:

"His Needs, Her Needs” Dr. Willard Harley

Top Five Needs of a Wife: Affection Honesty & Openness Conversation Financial Support Family Support

Top Five Needs of a Husband: Sexual Fulfillment Recreational Companionship Attractive Spouse Domestic Support Admiration

Prayer Time Pray for your marriage Pray for your spouse – no fix them prayers Pray for Team Mates – arm us for spiritual warfare Pray for yourself – seek to realize your need to be more giving to your spouse

Life Change for Couples Next Week… May 29th Life Change for Couples Chapter 5 Admit Powerlessness