We just finished week #2 of our Dirty Little Secrets message series at ICC.  It’s based on one specific secret, that we’re all created with a need and desire for relationships but we all suck at making them work.  That’s how God created us, to live, grow, and thrive in the context of relationships.  This series is all about sharing some of the “dirty little secrets” to help us make our relationships work. 

Yesterday’s topic was marriage, titled “Fairy Tales are for Children (not your love life).”  The love we hear about in fairy tales, movies, and pop songs is all about infatuation, but God-pleasing love (the kind required to make marriage work) is hard work.

Here are some resources to help:

• Movie – Fireproof
• Book – The Love Dare (Kendrick & Kendrick)
• Book – The Five Love Languages (Chapman)
• Book – Sheet Music (Leman)
• Book – Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (Parrott)

I have to be honest and share that I haven’t yet completed this book.  Here’s why: every time I get into it I run into someone who is going through a life situation where they need it.  And at that point I feel compelled to give it away. 

One of the best explanations that I have already swiped from Craig Groeschel in “Going All the Way” is that singles need to stop spending all their time and energy looking for “the one” — the one person of the opposite sex that will complete their lives and make everything better, and start focusing on “the One” — Jesus Christ, who can complete them and then enable them to move forward as a whole, healthy person.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33

This book is chock full of good insights and solid biblical teaching about singleness, relationships, and marriage.  I definitely recommend it (click the pic for the Amazon link) as a resource for yourself and/or if you have the opportunity to counsel or encourage people in these areas.  I would call it a very helpful resource for college ministries, singles groups, or premarital counseling. 

The author, Craig Groeschel is the pastor of LifeChurch.tv and is – in my opinion – one of the most refreshing, kingdom-focused large church pastors in America today.  Now I have to go buy a new copy for myself . . .