Marriage Matters: Recent Episodes
Ty and Jamie Pipkins
Ty and Jamie Pipkins, founders of Choose To Stay Ministries, discuss topics to enrich marriages. Whether you feel your marriage is perfect, or you are at the brink of divorce, Marriage Matters will give you the insight you need to find hope, healing, and the fortitude to Choose To Stay.
In our culture, we are always hitting send. On our emails, texts, and other forms of messaging it's the final step in communicating a thought we want to share. The disciples wanted to send the multitudes away because they thought there wasn't enough food to feed them. Jesus had other ideas.
Partaking in what the world has to offer as a remedy to the emptiness in your soul may satisfy you a little, but a little isn't enough. Jesus is the bread of life, and he will fill you with more than enough.
This episode discusses how God has responded to darkness through time, and therefore, how christian's should respond to the darkness in our world.
Learning to give in your time of need sets you up to receive the very thing you have need of.
God's people have always struggled with the temptation to waiver in their commitment to Him for the things their flesh desires. The two just don't mix.
God's word is a lamp and a light. It is designed to illuminate you in more ways than one.
Choosing to follow Christ includes following His selfless example of giving His life for others. Even the ones that hated Him. In this episode we discuss the process of going From I will, To Your Will
There are times when we get so caught up in the what ifs that we can literally incapacitate ourselves. Instead of moving forward, we get stuck in the worry of what might happen. In this episode, find out how to properly navigate the "what if's".
It's true that God's grace has covered our sins, but grace isn't just a covering for our sins. It's the power to overcome sin. We don't receive God's grace so we can do whatever we want, we receive His grace so that we have the strength to live the way He wants us to.
Change is not most people's favorite thing. Often times change is hard, painful, and confusing. Remember, in every circumstance, God is working behind the scene developing a bigger picture and He knows what the end result will be.
Being "salty" has a different meaning in our world today. As believers, we are told that we are the "salt" of the Earth. What does this mean, and how do we live The Salt Life.
If your life seems out of my control, maybe it's time to live it that way. Check out this teaching on the fruit of self-control.
Did you know Daniel didn't like steak? Well, the Bible didn't exactly say that, but he did choose to not defile himself with the kings meat. Are you making that same choice?
Jesus broke all the rules, the religious ones that is. And when he spoke, well that was mind blowing....
Having confidence in God's love for us is easier said than done. The church has developed a serious case of spiritual insecurity.
We should never stop growing in our walk with the Lord. He has so much more for us than most of us ever access.
You can be conformed or transformed, it's your choice. Make no mistake, you will be formed one way or another.
When you feel over loaded, there is a source of help for you. It has already been deposited in you and is there for you to access. When you are carrying the motherload, you need to tap into the motherlode!
People tend to move towards what they are focused on. Like staring at oncoming headlights when you are driving. Looking back will distract you from the great things ahead. Stop crawfishing, regain your focus and move forward.
Your past is exactly that, past. If you're in Christ, your old man is dead, and you need to make sure it stays that way!
God doesn't need your money, but He wants your heart. Keeping the right perspective on material things is a must for every believer.
Learning to trust is one of the hardest things for us to do as christians. However, if we do it well, we can find a true confidence no matter what life throws at us.
God wants you to flourish and be fruitful in life. Being firmly established in Him is a key to that. In this message, Jamie describes the result of being Uprooted.
One of the things I find frustrating with believers, is how easy it is for them to fall into believing the lies the enemy tells them about themselves. Simply put, a lot of Christians have an identity crisis. Knowing who you are in Christ will also help you discover the purpose he has for you. This episode tells you just that.
It's not if you will go through a storm, but when. All of us have been through things that have had devastating impacts on our lives. The important thing is how we deal with The Aftermath!
Ever feel pulled in fifty directions. Often we create that feeling in our lives with our inability to prioritize the needed from the normal, in our minds necessary, things in life. In this episode we talk about what to do when we feel "Taxed".
You want to know what a person believes? Listen to what they say. In this episode we discuss how your words are connected to what's in your heart.
Prosperity teaching has gotten a bad wrap and rightfully so. This topic has been abused and taught with improper motives/understanding to the point that many aren't even able to hear the truth about all that God has for them. In this teaching we clarify the fact that God wants you to be prosperous (which isn't all about money), but not at the expense of eternity.
When Jesus listed the greatest commandments, they both had to do with relationships. One has to do with our relationship with God, the other is about your relationship with other people- and the two are connected.
It's not if you'll face conflict, but when in your marriage. Handling it correctly is a huge factor to having a successful marriage.
I'm sure you've heard preachers or teachers say that marriage is a covenant, but what does that mean? Understanding covenants from God's perspective is the foundation for a strong marriage relationship.
The 'C' Word, yuck! We live in a society that is scared to death to commit to anything. In marriage, however, being committed is essential to a long lasting relationship.
Part 1 of a sermon series titled "Connected". In this series we will look closely at areas of our spiritual lives that are connected and how that being out of order in one area can cause havoc in other areas as well.
The extent that God went to in order to reestablish relationship with us is remarkable to say the least. It started with a lot of rules and regulations, a tabernacle and some very precisely made priestly garments. Thankfully, through Christ He made things a whole lot easier.
As children of God, nothing happens in our lives that doesn't pass through His hands. Sometimes our own choices create problems that, because of His sovereignty, He allows to affect us. Even in those times, God works things out according to His will for our good. Sometimes life seems to really stink, but usually there's A Lot More To It.
As kids we all love a snow day. We pray for it to snow so school will be cancelled. When we become adults, being stuck in the house for several days becomes the epitome of a journey to insanity. Give us 24hrs and we are ready to go stir crazy. There are times in our spiritual lives that resemble this as well. What are the signs, and how can we overcome the Spiritual Snow Daze?
The Lord, speaking through Hosea, said "My people perish for lack of knowledge". It is obvious that knowledge is very important to our christian walk. In this episode we take a close look at how knowledge is gained, and how it effects every aspect of our lives.
Elijah prepared an altar against all odds, to prove who was the one true living God. He took it a step further by digging a trench around the altar and filling it with water before calling on God to send down the fire. What are you doing to prepare to receive the outpouring God has for you?
Gifts are a big part of Christmas. Actually Christmas began with a gift, the greatest gift ever. In this episode we explore that first give from a little different perspective.
Life is full of ups and downs. Building our faith in God by remembering what he has done for us is key to remaining steadfast at all times.
A wall stood between Israel and the victory God had promised them over Jericho. Funny thing is, that wall soon became a bridge that enabled them to reach what God had in store.
After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they covered themselves with leave and tried to hide from God. People have been doing the same ever since. What are you hiding?
The story of Jesus healing the ten lepers is an awesome picture of Jesus' love and compassion toward all mankind, but it is also a sobering picture of how the world rejects the very one who has everything they need.
There's nothing too hard for God, but there is something that's impossible. In this powerful message discover why NOTHING is impossible with God. Just listen, you'll get it by the end.
The Bible begins by describing the Earth as void and without form. It then says darkness was on the face of the deep. BUT, shortly after, God says "Let there be light!" God flipped the switch in the physical realm and the spiritual realm as well.
The woman at the well got way more than she expected when she went to draw water that day. In this episode, we examine all that we can "draw" from her story as well.
Within the body of Christ, there are many opinions on what christians should or shouldn't do. These issues are often not issues regarding salvation, rather behaviors that can be viewed sinful by some and not by others. Paul dealt with this in Romans 14 and he gives us a roadmap of how we should navigate these controversies when they arrive.
Relying on God's guidance is key to living an abundant and fruitful Christian life. So often, however, we choose our own path and find ourselves falling short of receiving all that God has purposed for us. In this message we look at the purpose of the pillars that God used to guide the children of Israel in the wilderness and how we can apply the lessons we learn in our own lives.
Doing good isn't a bad thing but it isn't enough. God is always more concerned with the why than the what. In this episode we dive into Paul's teaching on how we overcome evil with good by examining the parable of the rich young ruler.
Looking at current events and the current state of Israel can make you wonder if God's promises to this special people will ever come to pass. In this study of Romans 10 and 11 we find that God has always had a plan A and there is no plan B. This thought also applies to the dreams and promises the God has given you. What He started, He will finish.
To the Jews, Jesus was a stumbling block. Why? Well, He didn't appear like they thought He would. He didn't fulfill all the prophecies they expected Him to...yet. What things become stumbling blocks for us? What are you trippin' over?
Crucifying the flesh is a prominent theme in the new testament. The exchange of self for the life Jesus has for us is of great benefit to every believer and can be especially beneficial when applied to our marriage. In this episode we explore the ins and outs of selfishness in a marriage and how to overcome it.
Studies show that the number one reason people get married is love, but what do they really mean when they say that? More importantly, where does love come from? In this episode we will answer those questions and give insight on what love really looks like based on God's word.
We are back after several months of transition! In this episode we share about our recent life changes and discuss how following our feelings can get us in such disarray.
There was a survey that showed 87% of couples listed communication, or lack thereof, as the reason for divorce. That is a disturbing fact, but it is also very revealing. In this episode we glean from one of the most well known experts on marriage relationships in hopes that we all can become better communicators by becoming better listeners.
The parable of the unmerciful servant is often overlooked, but it contains a very important truth and it applies to marriage. In this episode we break down Jesus' teaching and look at the principal of continual forgiveness.
Not a lot of flash to this title. That's because it's one of the most serious subjects we can talk about regarding marriage. While forgiveness is a choice, it's not optional. In this episode we discuss Jesus' command to forgive and why it is vital to your marriage relationship.
Have you ever made a big deal out of something small? What about in your marriage? Do you have issues that aren't really issues? Or is there a real issue that you are totally ignoring? In this episode we examine the importance of dealing with some things and learning to just get over others.
When God brought His people out of Egypt and into the land He had promised to give them, all He required from them was obedience. One of the commands He gave them was to not intermarry with the people of the land. Over and over the Israelites found themselves defeated and pressed because they had chose to disobey this command. But there was a time when they repented for their disobedience, however repentance must inspire a turning away. There must be a removal of things that we've "intermarried" in our lives. It's time to Get Down To Business!
Our lives today are busier than ever, and often that plays right into the enemies hands. Not only do our cluttered schedules steal time from our spouses, they absorb time that we could be spending with the Lord, an effort that pays much greater dividends. This episode explores the need to "Be Still" and invest time in knowing God and your spouse.
When couples find themselves in rough patches in their marriage, it's often because they have become disconnected from the source of the power needed to have a fantastic God focused relationship. In this episode we focus in on how to stay connected to avoid power outages in your marriage
Conflict is inevitable in any relationship. In your marriage you may have conflict over parenting, money, in-laws and everything in between, In this episode we discuss the importance of setting boundaries that will allow us to properly handle these types of conflicts.
Understanding, celebrating and working through our differences can be very difficult. When we learn how and why our spouses differ from us, we are one step closer to the marriage we've always wanted. If you aren't there yet, it's ok, neither are we.
Rome wasn't built in a day and neither are successful marriages. Don't fret, anything worth having is worth working and waiting for. In this episode we will discuss the need to embrace the process and press through to see the progress you desire in your marriage relationship.
The scriptures are very clear about the fact that our prayers can be hindered, but did you know that your relationship with your spouse could be one of those hinderances? In this episode we discuss several things that hinder our prayers and take a specific look at how that relates to marriage.
See areas that need improvement in your spouse? In this episode we give you the insight you need to begin the process of change. But be ready, the principles presented in this episode may take you a whole different direction than what you expect.
In our 3rd Keeping It Real episode we open up about our struggles at the grocery store. It may sound ridiculous, but some of the truths we've uncovered while learning how to work through our differences in something as small as grocery shopping may come as a surprise.
Understanding your identity in Christ changes what you speak about yourself. It also adjusts the purpose of the roles you fill in life. In this episode, Jamie leads women to a place of identifying who they are and how they can draw strength from their identity to fulfill their purpose in life. Ladies, you won't want to miss this episode!
Do you know your true identity? satan is an identity thief and he has done a good job at creating an identity crisis...especially among men. Men, you are kings and a priests! As a priest you must have a passion for purity. In this episode we discuss our function as priests of the most high, and how we should strive for purity knowing this is our identity. Understanding these things set us up to lead our wives and families as God designed.
The title of this episode says it all. There is freedom in forgiveness. The sad thing is that most of us really struggle with forgiving those who have hurt us. What we don't realize is that forgiveness is not a suggestion, it's a command. In this episode we share truth from God's related to forgiveness and investigate Jesus' example regarding how to do it.
If you are discouraged in any area of your marriage or life in general, this episode is for you. Have you bought into the lie that you are a failure, that you'll never make it through the current circumstances, or that your marriage is destined for failure? Then you need to hear this truth! YOU are a winner! Jesus did a complete work on the cross, and through Him you have gained the status of the victor, not the victim.
Love is often described as an emotion, or feeling, but feelings are fickle. Society would say you fall in and out of love like the stock market has good days and bad. The word of God teaches us that love is steadfast and doesn't waiver because it is a choice rather than a feeling at all. In this episode we look at how God chose to love us and how this example should be the foundation for how we love our spouse.
What does your spouse do that really aggravates you? Should it? Is it something you should just get over, or should your spouse stop doing it? In this episode we dive head first into some of our own pet peeves and give you practical tools to analyze what things you should or shouldn't change for your spouse. We also discuss when it's ok to be bothered by something and when it's time to just let it go. This episode is definitely a discussion all couples need to have!
Overcoming adversity in your life and marriage is tough, but it's even more difficult when you allow discouragement to take your focus off of your ultimate source of strength. In this episode we discuss tactics to stay focused and defend against discouragement.
Marriage isn't easy, but just because it's hard doesn't mean that we should just throw in the towel and start over. Changing spouses every time the going gets tough is like changing houses because the yard died. God has already supplied everything you need to persevere when the going gets tough, and to realize the fulfillment in a marriage that has stood the test of time.
Placing blame for our shortcomings is easy to do, but it's not healthy nor productive. In this episode we explore the dangers of 'The Blame Game' and discuss how to avoid falling prey to the temptation to point the finger at your spouse, parents, or anyone else for that matter. Being willing to work together to right the wrong or fix the problem rather than wasting energy blaming others, will set you on the path to overcome one of the greatest roadblocks to a healthy marriage.
Hidden sin is a cancer to your soul and will kill your relationship with the Lord and your spouse. In this episode we share our experiences of coming clean by confessing our shortcomings and give Biblical examples of how confession will set you free.
Every 5th episode of Marriage Matters we will discuss real life situations that affect your marriage and reveal practical ways to work through them. In this episode we look at the expectations we have for our spouse and how we can keep those expectations in check.
Priorities are as important as ever. In a society that is constantly distracted by technology and busy schedules, how do we put God first? How do we take inventory of what we are making our top priority right now? we answer these questions and more in this episode of Marriage Matters.
Before you can get to where you wanna be in your marriage, you have to first know exactly where you are. In this episode we discuss the need to be honest about the current state of your marriage, the need to take responsibility for your part in it's condition, and how to take the first steps in your journey.
Identifying the enemy of marriage isn't enough. We need to understand and proactive about defending against the enemy's tactics. Knowing what satan uses to divide you and your spouse will allow you keep your guard up. If satan can't divide you, he can't defeat you.
Identify the true enemy of your marriage, while gaining practical tips to defend against the attacks that are coming against your relationship. Learn how to recognize your adversary's tactics and not fall prey to them.