Prayer For Marriage Restoration

Giving up “Me-ness for We-ness”

Marriage is ordained by God! It was meant to be a Covenant relationship sanctioned by a Covenant God! A Covenant is a sacred vow witnessed by God! For Christians it is the most solemn agreement that one can make between a man and woman! A Covenant requires sacrifice it represents the merging of two lives. The “two becoming one.” This does not mean one gives up their own personal identity. Two strong hearts join together as One! They cleave together not out of neediness, but because of an undying Love & Commitment and the desire to have a loving complimenting companion!

Many marriages are dissolving for a plethora of reasons! Many are and have been “unequally yoked” from the very beginning. Many have embraced worldly concepts and the idea of “what is good for me” takes precedent. It is important to continue to ignite the flames of love, honor, comittment, communication, respect, passion and understanding! Many couples allow marriage to become a secondary priority and treat it accordingly. Slowly, but surely they begin to allow their needs to be met outside the marriage as well! Many have allowed manipulation and deception to embed itself in the relationship that only smothers intimacy! Many have behaved so repulsively towards one another that respect and sensitivity have been cast into the sea of unforgiveness! Many have allowed domestic violence and abuse of all sorts! Many are bound by compulsion and ambivalence that only serves to vamp the very life out of one another… Instead of building a healthy home environment. They build a marital nest of confusion, turbulence, pain and unhappiness. Marriage was never meant to be a competition of wills nor a degrading of one another’s character. Divorce comes about because of the hardness of the heart. Divorce is leaving many casualties!

Life presents many challenges as well as Celebrations! Marriage is about learning how to commit to someone who you can learn to be transparent with. To build and share an ongoing growing, loving, lasting mutually satisfying physical, emotional and spiritual relationship. To nurture, one another and give each other healthy space as well. To have one another’s best interest at heart. To celebrate and encourage each other through the challenges that life presents from time to time. To together live your lives to please God an allow him to use you to spread that love to others! Just think how life would be if this was really the case! God really has a marvelous workable plan for marriage! Instead, God’s design for marriage is constantly being pushed to the background! Too many instead embrace infidelity and alternative sexual relationships and listen to bad ungodly, unscriptural advice…..

If you are at a place in life and you know that your marriage is not all that it is meant to be… Or if you are having an affair either emotional or physical … Or if you never really thought about the vows you made or the seriousness of marriage…. Or if you have let anything and everyone come between you and your spouse… Know it will not just get better on its own. Marriage like anything else of value takes work! You must do something, don’t continue to live in a mystic haze of unhappiness! Repent! Which simply means to CHANGE it! Keep in mind you can only change yourself! Think about it! Had you ever really thought about it; God totally knows what’s up? You are not fooling Him! Start by giving the courtesy that you extend to your friends, coworkers, acquaintances, lover, strangers or whoever else to the one who you supposedly committed to Love, Honor, Trust and……

Again, and I think it is worth repeating that divorce comes about because the hardening of the heart. Here is what the WORD of God says: “And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” And JESUS answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote this precept. But from the beginning of the Creation, GOD made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh; so they are not longer two, but one flesh. There fore what GOD has joined together, let Not man separate…” Mark 10

Take some time and really think about where you are going in your marriage? Have you taken a detour? Pray this prayer or pray your own prayer if you are seeking restoration for your marriage! It is your heart that the Lord is concerned with! Not how you make things appear to others. Embrace the powerfulness of TRUTH! It is here you will discover the TRUE LOVE that can only come from being connected to God! Life is precious! You can never ever really be happy when you jump from relationship to relationship without dissolving the former conflict. It just builds up and gains momentum and at some point those issues will appear again. Learn to allow the LORD to purge you from all that Baggage! Give yourself the gift of breaking the cycle of dysfunctional and sometimes generational unhappy relationships. COME OUT OF DENIAL!!! It’s never too late! Commence to commit to discover and learn healthier relational dynamics then actually implement them in your own marriage NOW! Pledge to committing to the building of a lasting, secure, committed, satisfying, realistic, rewarding, marriage where Love, Respect and mutual concern take the helm. And let “Jesus take the Wheel!” Begin to give up “Me-ness for We-ness!

Father,

We first want to say Thank You for being our God and our Father! We Thank You Lord, that we have You to come to at anytime, anywhere and in any and every situation. Lord we Thank You for Your precious Son Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life that we may live life to its fullest. Lord, we come in the name of Jesus asking that you would open the pathway for healing for ________ (name of spouse and his wife ( husband) and restore their marriage. As your servant Lord I come realizing that you know what the needs are here. Without saying Lord you alone know what is going on, and all that has ever happened!

Lord GOD, I pray that you will allow healing and reconciliation to take place. That whatever hurts or disappointments they have experienced can be mended through the power of your undying eternal Love and your precious HOLY SPIRIT! We realize Father that they cannot change anything that has happened. But, they can go forth together keeping, renewing and once again honoring their vows. Father we realize that much spiritual warfare is about them. We realize that it wants to divide and separate them. We ask Lord that they invite you into the messiness to bring about order! Lord we realize that ALL of your promises are true. We ask that you endow them with the necessary strength and wisdom to endure.

Father, WE ASK that you would knit their hearts closely together and allow nothing else to come between them. Lord we ask that they both take personal inventory, repent and seek forgiveness for any wrong doing. We pray that they extend love and patience to one another and that the lines of communication, sensitivity as well as understanding are once again opened. We ask that you will allow all the pain, hurt suffering and disappointment to begin to subside. Lord we ask that forgiveness is welcomed by each of them. Lord we ask that you would allow your JOY to flow once again from heart to heart between them. Father, we ask that you direct them as they seek you first in building trust, transparency and both physical and emotional intimacy. Father we pray peace over their household. Lord we Thank You for being who You are and we realize that ALL the power, ALL the honor and ALL the glory belongs to You now and forever, and for this we give you the PRAISE. In the WONDERFUL name of JESUS ….…

Food for thought “Before” and “After” you say I DO.

San Francisco Bay Area Gospel Music

Music is “The art of combining tones to form an expressive composition”. Said another way, it is “The creative and skillful combining of instruments and voices to make a statement”. Christian Music is an avenue by which the gospel of Jesus Christ can be spread throughout the world. It is a means by which we can express we have been filled with His spirit. Scripture tells us the importance and the power of music. We have been commanded to praise God with music. Throughout scripture we can see its power, how it’s been used to get an answer from God, to confuse the enemy before battles, to calm the agitations of the soul, to open prison doors causing men to ask “what must I do to be saved?”, and to tear down walls, such as the wall of Jericho, that separates man from what God has in store for him.

Below are the artists of Alpha 7 Ministries, from the San Francisco Bay Area. The message in our music is that Jesus Christ is Lord, and He is worthy to be praised. We have recorded artists that are sending that message to the young and the old. Our artists include Debra Henderson, Jus-B-Cuz, The Sons of the Soul Revivers, Pastor Fleetwood Irving, Brenda Lowe, and the Alpha 7 Ministries instrumental band. There is something for every christian’s musical taste: Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Praise & Worship, Quartet, Instrumental Gospel/Jazz, and Easy Listening.

Below you can review the many CD/DVD’s that are available by the above mentioned artists. You can click on the various tabs in the widget below to listen to songs, view video, get a FREE download, purchase a CD/DVD from CdBaby, Amazon, Itunes, and more.

Debra Henderson

In every generation, the Lord raises up women of God to speak to this particular time with a word that is both relevant and heart changing. Elder Debra Henderson is just such a woman. Anointed to preach the gospel, she speaks to the hearts of women, men and youth compelling them with the love of Jesus Christ and encouraging them to reach new heights in their Christian walk.

Elder Henderson was licensed to ministry in July 1999 and ordained as an Elder in June 2005. She is a sought after speaker for women retreats and fellowships all over the greater bay area. She is a member of several community organizations such as Bay Area Clergy Against Family Violence, the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, and the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

She is also an accomplished psalmist and is well known as the featured soloist on the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) recording “Standing In The Need of a Blessing”.

Debra has traveled extensively spreading the gospel through song. She has shared her gift of singing and ministering across the country and internationally. She completed her first European tour in 1996, promoting her first solo CD “Just Right For God”.

She has been awarded the title Best Female Vocalist Of The Year 5 times by the San Francisco Bay Area Gospel Academy Awards. She was also the director of The Voices of Joy, the first place winner in the Quaker Oats Young Voices of Tomorrow Competition.In March 2007, Debra was nominated by Black Music Association of America for Best Gospel Performance Female and Best Recorded Gospel Performance.

Debra continues to sing about the Lord’s blessings on her new solo recording “Higher Ground”. Traditional Gospel at its finest, this CD shows Debra’s diversity and passion for the Church, as she ministers in song to the entire body of Christ. With songs penned by well known gospel writers Patrick Bradley & Steven Roberts, it includes songs that many church choirs will be singing on Sunday morning as well as original Praise & Worship songs. Debra also remembers her roots and those saints who still appreciate some of the old Hymns of the church.

Debra has also been cast in several stage plays. Her stage credits are The Sins of My Father, and A Passion For Justice, and the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre award-winning holiday musical, Black Nativity, A Gospel Celebration of Christmas.

Debra Henderson has a heart for developing the body of Christ, specifically women and youth, to reach their goals and become the women and youth that are armed and dangerous for the Lord!

Jus-B-Cuz

PK’s (Preacher Kids) from the San Francisco Bay Area, Tamar, Joanna, Rebecca, are inspiring and encouraging young people with the message of Jesus Christ. .

Citing musical influences of Out of Eden, Mary Mary, Point of Grace, and The Clark Sisters, their debut CD “It Still Remains” contains 10 songs, all original material ranging in variety and style that will find favor with Contemporary Christian, Gospel, and Praise and Worship music listeners. The title track sends a clear message, that in spite of what might being gong on in your life, whether you’re on the mountain top or down in the valley, It Still Remains that Jesus is worthy to be praised.

The music and vocal arrangements will capture the attention of young people of all cultures and backgrounds.

Coming on the hills of their debut CD was their DVD release “Live At the San Francisco Christian Center”. This DVD captures the ministry of Jus-B-Cuz “live”, accompanied by a live band with special guest musicians, praise dancers, and dramatic presentations. It was a night of thanksgiving, praise, and worship as they engaged a crowd of 1500 in this worship experience.

Jus-B-Cuz strives to create music that emphasizes the importance of knowing who God is, and trusting in His word. This is evident in their music as each selection is laced with the Word of God. They are reaching the masses with the message of Jesus Christ.

The Sons of The Soul Revivers

Singing together for more than 21 years, The Sons of the Soul Revivers with their unmatched blend of family harmony, have dedicated their lives to lifting up the name of Jesus. They are the descendants of a group known as The Soul Revivers. Natives of the San Francisco Bay Area, they have performed with some of the best in their field including The Canton Spirituals, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Jackson Southernaires, The Gospel Keynotes, The Soul Stirrers, Lee Williams,and Keith Wonderboy Johnson.

In 1986, 1993, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 they were awarded the title Best Quartet by the Bay Area Gospel Academy Awards Association. In 1989 they recorded their first album entitled “It Should’ve Been Me” which led them on their first promotional tour throughout Tennessee, Ohio and Indiana. During the winter of 1997, the Sons release their first live recording “Help Me Lift His Holy Name” while on tour in Europe. An enormous success they ministered to sold out standing room only crowds for the entire tour.

The recording contains 12 traditional quartet tracks that reminds us of God’s promises, encourages us to remain strong in our faith and assures us that if we “Lift His Holy Name” He will draw all men unto Him.

In November of 2001 the Sons released their second “Live” recording entitled “I’m A New Creature”, recorded at the Center for Creative Arts in Fairfield, CA. This stirring live recording captures this award-winning family lighting up the stage with characteristic joy. From the start of the recording it is evident that the Sons have come to have Service, with a gentle balance of hard driving straight up quartet singing and soul wrenching slow ballads. It also features Sheridan Gospel Network radio personality KD Bowe sharing the lead vocals on the selection “Joy When I Think About It.” In January 2006, this CD was re-released under a new title “Live In Fairfield:JOY” with an additional track, and a companion DVD that captures the entire live recording.

In January 2008, the Sons released their “Golden Nuggets” CD. This CD continues to reflect the Sons unique blend of family harmony as they share songs that will have listeners focused on Jesus, the Cross, and Heaven.

These young men give all the Glory to God for bringing them this far. They are committed to being His servants, ministering in music and pressing on to lift up the name of Jesus.

Brenda Lowe

Brenda has been a featured soloist on numerous recordings including The Sacramento Mass Choir, The Chicago Mass Choir,and Wanda Nero Butler. In 1996, for the summer Olympics in Atlanta, Brenda was the voice of Africa in the Call of the Nations. In 1998, Brenda starred as Victoria in the smash gospel musical “A Street Called Straight”. She has also worked with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship Ministries which ministers throughout various federal and state correctional institutions.

Her first solo recording “Waiting” found favor with Traditional, Contemporary Christian and Inspirational audiences alike. She continued her ability to appeal to a broad audience with her sophomore release in 2002 “Somebody Somewhere Was Praying For Me”. The title track is based upon the scripture found in James 5:16 “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. It also reminds us of the many times someone else prayed us through the challenging times in life, particularly our mother. This song was also featured in the movie Jada.

Pastor Fleetwood Irving

Pastor Irving is no stranger to the recording industry as he has previously recorded 8 albums, 2 CD’s, and 2 videos which are played around the country. To his credit he has a Stellar Nomination in the Solo Category, and a Soul Train Gospel Album of the Year Nomination.

He is Pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Vallejo, CA, and is highly known around the country for his preaching. He has also recorded two sermon albums.

Pastor Irving’s latest CD “God of Chances” reflects his signature voice as he brings a traditional blend of Gospel music that has filled our hearts and sanctified our souls down through the years.

Are You Pleasing God ?

Are You Pleasing God?

Our life focus as Christians should be to please God. Webster defines honor as: merited respect: social courtesies or civilities extended by a host. Glory: to rejoice proudly; a ring or spot of light or a state of great exaltation. God is truly worthy of all the honor, glory and praise. We can never please people but we can sincerely attempt to live a life pleasing to GOD. We must commence transforming our internal thought process. We must erect a spiritual edifice that exudes God is my focus. Saying giving honor is not really giving honor. We must retreat from the classical conditioning of the world and truly embrace the principle of “let this mind be in you that is also in CHRIST JESUS.” Does this mean we become flawless? No, of course not! The flesh is weak. It is only through His power can we overcome the weaknesses of the flesh. The victory is always in HIM. We must strive to please God rather than man. The spiritual things of God can not be understood from a carnal perspective. The Pharisees were great examples. Knowing about God is not knowing God. Christ said too truly love Him is to keep His commandments.

The trials we face in life should be viewed as character building lessons. God is a spirit of truth and we must embrace the truth however painful. On the other side of pain is hope. When our hope is in the Lord we should begin to release the reigns of worry. God really does have it all under control. We don’t have to manipulate anything or anybody. If “we trust in Him with all thine heart He will direct our paths.” God will not put more on us than we can bear. When our load seems unbearable we must make a spiritual adjustment. Jesus has said “that His yoke is easy and His burdens are light.” We must learn to give Him our burdens.

We must sometime learn to retreat when the spiritual warfare becomes unbearable. We must really let go and allow God to intervene. Stop playing tug-a war (giving Him the problem and taking it back). We must ask, pray and seek whatever His will is for us in all situations. Remember during spiritual warfare He tells us; when you have done all you can do STAND! God deserves the glory. It is when things seem hopeless His miraculous power shines through.

In the midst of spiritual warfare there is much distortion. We read things into things that are not so. We speak when we should be silent. We respond impulsively. We misinterpret the motives of others. We must learn to become objective and ask ourselves is God pleased? We can’t change anything that has happened. If you know your motives are right it really doesn’t matter what it looks like to others. When they don’t understand He Does. The adjustment has to be internal. To experience inner peace we must learn to hide His WORD in our hearts that we might not sin against HIM! We must begin to reprogram our minds to respond spiritually rather than carnally. Just remember when we speak softly or not at all people will see it as a weakness. When we speak boldly people will see it as uncaring or even arrogant. When you disengage from a seemingly endless merry-go round of fight- fuss-makeup- breakup they will feel abandoned. When you don’t give them what they want you will appear selfish. When you allow them to feel

The consequences of their behavior you will appear unloving. Just know that God really knows why you do what you do. It is He who we must strive to please. Don’t procrastinate begin now. Press forward and let it become your daily goal to please Him. There are many things that just won’t be understood on this side of heaven. You can rest assured that those who seek the truth, delight themselves in Him will receive the desires of their hearts. Heaven will be our eternal place of rest! Hallelujah anyhow!

I must say again we can’t please people, We can make a sincere effort to please Him. God is our Creator and He has created us to worship, and honor Him. We must learn to nourish ourselves with His WORD. Apply its principles to our lives and allow the fruits of His divine and Holy Spirit to permeate our being. We are to let our lights shine. Jesus died for us! Jesus was persecuted, mistreated, misunderstood and disliked. Yet He never sinned or did ANYTHING WRONG. ” Yet, All of us have sinned and fallen short of His glory.” I truly believe God has a plan for the life of each one of His children. But in order to discover that purpose we must develop an intimate relationship with Him. Through the power of His Holy Spirit we can become spiritually whole. We must step out on faith. The victory is in Christ Jesus! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!