Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Today's Devotional brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson

Genesis 2:24
New King James Version (NKJV)

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

John 17:20-22

New King James Version (NKJV)
Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will[a] believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:

I attended my son's wedding this weekend. The young couple had asked the Pastor to bring a message sharing a clear plan of salvation before the vows. As the Pastor began his message he spoke of defining, life changing moments in each of our lives. Every defining moment begins with a choice. Marriage is a defining, life changing moment! He spoke directly to the young couple and indirectly to those in attendance reminding them that this choice was a lifetime decsion. Out of all of the millions of young people out there they had chosen each other, not for a moment, not for a season, not only in good times, not only for laughter, and not only for what they would receive out of the deal, but they had chosen each other for a lifetime, in good times and bad times, with laughter and with sorrow, and for what they could give to each other as well as what they could receive from each other. He reminded them and all of us that this was indeed a choice not a feeling. Then it dawned on me, the same is true of our salvation!

It may be a feeling that draws us to God or it may have been a crisis, but God used something to draw us to Him. He created us and has loved us from before the beginning. When we ask Him to be part of our lives He agrees to come, not for a moment or a season. He isn't ony there during the good times or to be a genie that gives us our every wish. God wants a relationship. Often in His word our relationship with our Saviour Jesus is described as a bride and bridegroom. God's love for us is eternal. He made that choice before He ever formed a thing (I Peter 1:20-21) even though He knew what it would cost. He is the commited bridegroom. Are we the committed bride? Do we really want Him to transform us into His likeness so we can be one with Him? That was His prayer for us that we would be one in Them. He asks us to leave the things of this world and to cleave to Him, not only when it is easy or fun but in every time and for all time. What has drawn you away from your "marriage vows" lately? Forsake them and return to your first love! it is worth it!!

Father I love You because You first loved me! You drew me to You and I accepted Your proposal to allow You to love me completely. I also agreed to love You completely in return, forsakeing the temptations of this world. Forgive me Father for looking to the right or left lately! I renew my vows to You and You alone today. I know I will be tempted and that I will stumble and fall along the way. I will need Your help; I can't do it without You! Thank You for beinging faithful even when I am not! In Jesus Faithful name, amen!


3 comments:

Shelley Brandon said...

Wonderful words of wisdom today Michelle! Thank you so much for the reminder that marriage to Christ is the same commitment as earthly marriage.

Rochelle Ray said...

Thank you for the excellent reminder, Michelle. We must stay committed regardless of feelings that come and go. He is faithful, so should we. Both relationships can be challenging at times but that is where growth happens if we allow it or we can choose to deny wisdom and go our own path and be a fool. Excellent devotion!

Unknown said...

AMEN!!

Thank you!!!