Christian Books For Troubled And Rocky Marriages

Books and Resources For Maintaining Healthy and Thriving Marriages
Further Books and Resources Dealing with Abuse and Addictions
Books & Resources For Inspired Parenting
Online Helps and Supports for Christian Families

A Lasting Promise: A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage
By S. Stanley, D. Trathen, S. McCain & M. Bryan

Build a healthy marriage and enjoy a lifetime of love and commitment. This book has facilitated thousands of Christian couples get their marriages back on track by discovering how to enhance friendship, face conflicts, deepen intimacy, have more fun together, and more.

Avoiding the Greener Grass Syndrome
By Nancy Anderson

Aided by the secrecy of the Internet and cell phones, extra-marital affairs are on the rise - and Christian couples aren't exempt. While cheating on one's spouse may still be socially unacceptable, it is more prevalent now than ever before.
From a woman who strayed to the other side of the marital fence - and returned to find forgiveness and restoration - comes this practical book about predicting and preventing an extra-marital affair. Based on the principle that the grass is always greener where it's watered, this book focuses on how to grow a beautiful marriage in your own backyard by establishing six protective "hedges" around it. 112 pages, softcover.

Joyce Meyer The Battle Belongs to the Lord: Defeating Life's Struggles Through Worship
By Joyce Meyer

There are many things in the world today that threaten us. To live in fear and anxiety is far removed from the victorious life that God wants to give us. But often our biggest enemy is not "out there" it's "in here," in our hearts and minds. How can we break the strongholds of fear and stop the pattern of destructive thinking? Best-selling author Joyce Meyer shows you how in her new book The Battle Belongs to the Lord: Overcoming Life's Struggles through Worship. Drawing from the Old Testament, Meyer illustrates how Jehosaphat, Gideon, and Elijah came through times of crisis by following God's 4-phase battle plan, allowing Him to fight for them. With God there are no hopeless cases. No matter what you're facing, the battle belongs to the Lord and He always wins it for you.

Can Two Walk Together? Encouragement for Spiritually Unbalanced Marriages
By Sabrina D. Black

Find spiritual balance in your marriage. Many Christians are in spiritually unbalanced marriages, desperate for someone to minister to them in their unique place. This is a wonderful tool to provide those in unequally yoked relationships with hope in dealing with disappointment, hurts, and heartaches. Sabrina Black brings her counseling expertise to bear on this difficult subject, assisting couples with creating and maintaining a vibrant, growing relationship despite their differences. The Can Two Walk Together Bible Study is an excellent tool for couples to put offered guidance into practice.

Celebrate Recovery Curriculum Kit: A Program for Implementing a Christ-Centered Recovery Ministry in Your Church
By Rick Warren

Alcoholism--divorce--sexual abuse--codependency--domestic violence--drug addiction--sexual addiction. Celebrate Recovery fills a long-standing need in the church in its role as Christ's healing agent. Developed by John Baker and Rick Warren of the renowned Saddleback Church it is drawn from the Beatitudes and guides people to resolve painful problems in the context of the church as a whole. Whether your congregation is large or small, this 25-session fellowship-based curriculum truly will be a celebration of Christ in the life of your church and its members. Everything you need is here: one 20-minute DVD introductory guide for leaders; one leader's guide; four 4-volume participant's guides; CD-ROM with 25 lessons--Road to Recovery series; CD-ROM with sermon transcripts and reproducible promotional materials; 4-volume audio CD sermon series; all in a proven, groundbreaking program, painstakingly and prayerfully developed to facilitate people discover new dignity, strength, joy, and growth in the image of Christ.

Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Needs to Know
By Al Miles

Although victims of domestic violence turn to their pastors more than any other resource, often clergy are not fully equipped. Combining real-life case studies (some with strong language), sound biblical precepts, and practical insights, social worker and pastor Miles gives ministers the information they need to provide life-affirming care to suffering families. Includes discussion questions. 208 pages, softcover from Fortress.

Forgiveness: Intimate Marriage Series

by Dan B. Allender, Tremper Longman III

No matter how blissfully a marriage begins, all husbands and wives eventually fail each other. We are sinners saved by grace - and we need grace not only from God but also from one another. You and your spouse will learn to recognize the harm caused by sin; learn how forgiveness works; and build patterns of mutual forgiveness, healing and freedom.
Intimate Marriage Bible studies bring spouses into deeper communion with God and with each other. In marriage a man and woman are called to leave their families of origin, to weave their separate lives into a unity and to cleave to each other. How can fallen human beings even begin to contemplate this ideal - God's idea?

More Intimate Marriage Series Materials

Mad About Us: Moving From Anger to Intimacy With Your Spouse
By Gary J. Oliver & Carrie Oliver

Is your relationship filled with hurt, frustration, and anger? Do you feel misunderstood, rejected, disrespected, or unheard? In Mad About Us discover how to deal with anger in ways that will bring you closer to each other instead of further apart. Learn how to recognize and eliminate unhealthy expressions of anger. Find out how to harness your anger energy, get to the root cause, and share it with your spouse in ways that increase understanding and trust.

Marriage: From Surviving to Thriving
By Charles Swindoll

Need a little marital advice? Ask Chuck Swindoll---one of today's most trusted pastors, authors, Bible teachers, and happy husband of 50 years! Blending warmth and humor with solid scriptural advice, he offers a clear-eyed look at God's design for marriage and practical tips for building a loving lifetime relationship.

Marriage Under Fire: Why We Must Win This Battle, Focus on the Family Edition
By Dr. James Dobson

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."(KJV) With those twenty-two words, God announced the ordination of the family, long before He established the two other great human institutions, the church and the government. It has been the bedrock of culture in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and even Antarctica. Given this unbroken continuity, one might begin to suspect that something mystical within human nature must be drawing the sexes together-not just for purposes of reproduction as with animals, but to satisfy an irrepressible longing for companionship, intimacy, and spiritual bonding. Indeed, how can it be doubted? Passion finds its fulfillment in the institution of marriage. In his latest book, Dr. James Dobson defends the sanctity of heterosexual marriage, presenting clearly defined reasons for it in the legal, financial, social, and emotional arenas. There are serious issues to be dealt with in culture and society, Dobson says, and Christians everywhere must rally to become a solid force now more than ever.

My Husband Has A Secret: Finding Healing for the Betrayal of Sexual Addiction
By Molly Ann Miller

Fifteen years ago, the author learned of her husband's addiction. She shares her struggles and she shares her struggles, and she shares the failures and successes. By learning from her experiences, you will understand codependence, coaddiction, grief, setting boundaries and more. If your spouse is one of the victims of the epidemic of sexual addiction, this book will give you comfort, information you need and faith and hope for your future.

Nine Critical Mistakes Most Couples Make: Identify the Pitfalls and Discover God's Help
By David Hawkins

Drawing from many years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. David Hawkins shows that complex relational problems usually spring from nine destructive habits couples fall into, and he offers practical suggestions for changing the way husbands and wives relate to each other. Scriptural and up-to-date.

No Place for Abuse: Biblical & Practical Resources to Counteract Domestic Violence
By Catherine Clark Kroeger & Nancy Nason-Clark

It's a leading cause of injury and death to women worldwide. Sadly, not even the church is immune from the scourge of domestic violence. This guide illustrates the gravity of the problem through stories and statistics; explores relevant Scriptures; and provides counseling tools, sermon outlines, Bible studies, and more. You can make a difference! 168 pages, softcover from InterVarsity.

Reconcilable Differences: Hope and Healing for Troubled Marriages
By Virginia Todd Holeman

When a relationship is really damaged, returning to "how things were" is not good enough. Discover practical steps for bringing hope and healing to hanging-by-a-thread marriages. Drawing on the latest psychological studies of forgiveness and repentance, Holeman's biblically informed and theologically rich handbook will enable you to foster true reconciliation amidst seemingly hopeless situations.

Books and Resources For Maintaining Healthy and Thriving Marriages
Further Books and Resources Dealing with Abuse and Addictions
Online Helps and Supports for Christian Families

98111: Refuge: A Pathway Out of Domestic Violence & Abuse

Refuge: A Pathway Out of Domestic Violence & Abuse
By Detective Sgt. Donald Stewart

Drawing on 20 years of experience with domestic violence cases, police detective Stewart offers you expert advice on recognizing the signs of a potential abuser, reaching safety, navigating the legal system, and breaking this terrible cycle. This is a great resource for churches wanting to assist victims and hold offenders accountable.

590073: Rescue Your Love Life: Changing Those Dumb Attitudes & Behaviors That Will Sink Your Marriage Abridged Audiobook on CD

Rescue Your Love Life: Changing Those Dumb Attitudes & Behaviors That Will Sink Your Marriage Abridged Audiobook on CD
By Dr. John Townsend

Most marriages need rescue at one time or another. So when you need rescue, it's usually due to those thoughtless things you do or say which break the delicate connection between husband and wife. If you're facing storms in your marriage, turn to psychologists and best-selling authors Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend. They offer real solutions and biblical insight for couples who want to put the wind back into the sails of romance. Whether you're simply sailing in choppy waters or braving a relational typhoon, reach for this lifeline, so that you and your mate can recapture the fun, happiness and romance you deserve. 3 CDs. 3.5 Hours. Abridged. Read by the authors.

Rekindling the Romance
By Dennis Rainey, Barbara Rainey & Bob DeMoss

By God's design, romance is supposed to be the flame n the fireplace of marital intimacy. Yet far too many Christian couples feel cheated because their marriage produces as much spark as a book of wet matches. Others have neglected to fan the flames of passion for so long that they have lost hope of experiencing romance. This book is organized into short, biblically-based chapters. Packed with practical insight, this tastefully candid and inviting resource provides the Christian couple with the keys to unlock their relational and sexual intimacy.

913017: Romancing Your Wife: A Little Effort Can Spice Up Your Marriage

Romancing Your Wife: A Little Effort Can Spice Up Your Marriage
By Debra White Smith

From the tried-and-true method of treating their mates like queens to discovering new ways to show honor and respect to their spouses, readers will discover specific suggestions and steps they can take to woo their wives and turn their marriages into ardent romances. Men will see that: doing the housework without being asked is just as romantic as bringing her flowers; "Little gestures," such as opening the car door for her, create an atmosphere of loving care; tender words and gentle hugs without sexual overtures let her know you love her always; romance is measured by thoughtfulness, not by how much money is spent; letting her know she's more important than everything--including sports--makes her feel special; talking and sharing are vital to a lively, loving relationship; the more you give to her, the more she'll give to you. Husbands and wives will discover the ultimate truth that their marriages can be more dynamic, more passionate, and more intimate than they ever thought possible! Contents: Best Friends, Soul Mates, Lovers Treat Her Like a Queen; Becoming One; First Bond; Great Sex 101; Kids and Chores; The Truth About Love; Endearing Encounters; Rekindling the Flames; Notes

The Act of Marriage
By Tim & Beverly LaHaye

For engaged couples and newlyweds who want to make lovemaking a joy from the start...for couples who have been married for years and want to maintain the flame or rekindle the embers...for every husband or wife who wants to be a better lover - here are the insights into each other's bodies, psychosexual makeup, and need for tender, unselfish affection that can help you achieve your goal.

This updated and expanded edition gives a fresh, informative edge to an already definitive book. New sections discuss "sex after sixty" and five reasons why God discovered sex.

47401: Sacred Influence: What a Man Needs from His Wife to Be the Husband She Wants

Sacred Influence: What a Man Needs from His Wife to Be the Husband She Wants
By Gary Thomas

You've pleaded, badgered, and nagged, but your husband still won't listen to you. How can you support him to become the man God intends him to be? Applying the concepts from his bestseller Sacred Marriage, Thomas gives you a man's-eye view of how to positively motivate your spouse and cultivate a deep and true relationship with him. 240 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

992205: The Enticement of the Forbidden: Protecting Your Marriage

The Enticement of the Forbidden: Protecting Your Marriage
By Judy Starr

Broken vows and shattered relationships: it's epidemic. Yet few believe they'll ever become involved in an affair. But in a world obsessed with sex, the spiritual and physical integrity required to maintain New Testament moral purity requires uncommon intimacy with God. Here those seeking to avoid becoming the next painful statistic will find genuine answers. This book tackles infidelity--head on. Sharing honestly from her personal experience, the author bring hope to those who have slipped. For all women seeking purity of heart, mind, and soul she reveals the secret to sustained purity through the power of God.

The Power of a Praying Wife
By Stormie Omartian

What is strong enough to transform a troubled marriage into a loving relationship? The prayers of a godly wife! Sharing examples from her marriage, Omartian encourages every wife to pray for all areas of her husband's life. Her poignant insights, along with empowering Scripture verses and prayers, will assure you of God's promises of restoration and renewal.

441331: Twelve Lies Husbands Tell Their Wives

Twelve Lies Husbands Tell Their Wives
By Tim Riter

Marriages can thrive only where there's real intimacy. So why is it that husbands sometimes feel compelled to misstate, shade or just lie to their wives? In this breakthrough book for men, Tim and Sheila Riter tackle the twelve most common lies that husbands tell their wives and reveal what husbands wish they could really say. Husbands will be relieved to find authors who understand and relate to their experiences; and wives will find it fascinating to learn what's really going on in their husband's hearts and minds.

441358: Twelve Lies Wives Tell Their Husbands

Twelve Lies Wives Tell Their Husbands
By Tim Riter

The perfect book for every wife who's ever uttered the words, Nothing's wrong. I'm just FINE. Why is it that wives sometimes take roundabout path when communicating with their husbands? The truth can take a backseat, get twisted, and even get turned totally inside out. In this insightful, breakthrough book, Tim and Sheila Riter shed light on the twelve most common lies wives tell their husbands, and reveal what women are really to say--as well as what they yearn to hear. Wives will be relieved to discover just how common their communication experiences are. Though written for women, men will benefit from a guide to just what's going on in their wives' hearts and minds. Let the honest communication begin! Includes Readers' Guide for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion.

42687: Unfaithful: Rebuilding Trust after Infidelity

Unfaithful: Rebuilding Trust after Infidelity
By Gary & Mona Shriver

While in the midst of confusion and the personal anguish of infidelity in a marriage, there is something couples need to know-there is hope; marriages can heal; the authors of this book are living proof. More than ten years ago, Gary Shriver confessed to his wife, Mona, about a three-year affair, as well as a one-night stand. Though the impact of that confession was devastating, it wasn't the end of their marriage. In their deepest despair, Gary and Mona wanted to know a real couple whose marriage had survived infidelity. They wanted desperately for someone - someone who had been in that situation-to say to them, "You can get through this and learn to trust again!" But they could find no couple willing to be that vulnerable. This is why the Shrivers have opened the pages of their lives and hearts to hurting couples everywhere in "The Unfaithful: Rebuilding Trust After Infidelity." Gary and Mona each share, from their own perspectives, the impact of adultery on their family, the strength they found in their faith, what it takes to endure, the importance of communication and forgiveness, and so much more. With the Shrivers' encouragement, couples can learn to move beyond crisis to a place where they can renew their hope, rebuild their trust, and ultimately restore their marriages.

912320: When Pleasing Others Is Hurting You: Finding God's Patterns for Healthy Relationships

When Pleasing Others Is Hurting You: Finding God's Patterns for Healthy Relationships
By David Hawkins

Find out why you have trouble saying no and only feel accepted when you are producing. Dr. David Hawkins, THE RELATIONSHIP DOCTOR, will help you realize that you are shortchanging God's work in your life when you serve people out of your own needs. Learn to serve others out of your abundance and experience the deep joy and peace that comes when operating as the person God intended you to be.

441757: You Can Be Wife of a Happy Husband: Discovering the Key to Marital Success

You Can Be Wife of a Happy Husband: Discovering the Key to Marital Success
By Darien B. Cooper

If the husband isn't happy, then the wife can't be happy. This book enables married women to recognize areas of dissatisfaction with life and marriage so that they can do their part to enhance the marriage relationship. Author Darien Cooper firmly believes that God intends for the joy of marriage to last forever, and that biblical principles can lead to a lasting, happy marriage. Countless marriages have been strengthen was wives have learned to apply these biblical truths.

Troubled Marriages &

Christ-Centered Marriages Needing A Tune-Up.