Tag Archives: wedding

When the Chocolates Box is Empty

Posted on by
Reply

o-empty-chocolate-box-facebookAs the sun comes through the kitchen window with rays of hope for another day, the wilting roses and empty boxes of chocolates are being filed away with memories of yesterday. It’s almost with the same intensity of coming off of a sugar high that the week of romance and love comes to a close. If we think that a card, some candy and maybe a dinner all by itself will carry our relationships through another year, we will probably be rudely awaken in the coming days. The sad reality in many relationships is that over the course of time things have slowly deteriorated to the point of needing a “Urgent Care” for relationships to get them going in the right direction again. And

Maybe we need to build lasting marriages instead of a day of fleeting emotionalism.   (tweet)

even worse are those couples that were swept off of their feet with only emotional infatuation and no foundational principles for a lasting relationship of any kind.

If the piles of chocolates in the stores and truckloads of flowers aren’t evidence enough. The consumer reports from previous years let us know that people are totally committed and consumed with this day of love. Could it possibly be that our strategy for a loving relationship might be wrong even though our motives are commendable. Maybe we need to build lasting marriages instead of a day of fleeting emotionalism.

Our marriages and different relationships can be like the mountain paths I grew up hiking. Many of them would cut through different terrain and gradually climb up towards their destination. Yet, many times you would come across windfalls, which

God must be intertwined in our Marriage!     (tweet)

are trees that have fallen over the trail because of different circumstances such as lightening, wind, disease or brittle with age. Whatever the reasoning, these windfalls ultimately hinder or even stop the journey. In the same manner many marriage relationships are also hindered from getting to the top of the summit because of windfalls.

Let’s take a look at some windfalls that can have severe consequences in our relationships. There can be many, but some of the most common ones are; lack of communication, strained trust for one another, life-controlling problems, unresolved Continue reading →

Don’t Get Caught Running on Empty!

Posted on by
1

Fort McMurray Forest FiresHow many times have you had someone come to you who are going through a difficult time and said, “I am running out of strength”? Whether it is relational, financial or spiritual, we have all probably given out so much we have found ourselves running on empty.

Over many years lighthouses have given light and help to those going through the darkness and storms. There’s one story of a lighthouse manager that through his kindness to others in need, had given out much of the lighthouses oil. One night in the midst of a horrific storm the oil ran out and therefore the light of protection went out also. Two ships that were struggling in the midst of the storm ended up crashing into the rocks and many lives were lost. When questioned why the Lighthouse light had gone out, the manager responded, “I didn’t replenishing the oil that I had given out”.

One of Jesus’ last sermons before he was crucified was in the context of leadership in the last days. In Matt 24 – 25, Jesus shares to His disciples about the end of the age and the signs that will confirm it. It will be difficult times even with the grace and power of God working amongst His people.

Jesus connected the preparation for the end times to intimacy with God. In these two chapters, Jesus gives one point in each of three parables pertaining to God’s

We can become disconnected from Jesus through the lack of intimacy with Him   (tweet)

delay in coming back for His bride. First, that the delay will be shorter than many will think. Second, that the delay is longer than many will think and thirdly, that it will be harder than many will think.

We are introduced in Matt 25:1-13, to the characters in the parable of the ten virgins. The “virgins” who were ones that were waiting for the bridegrooms coming and each had a “lantern”, signifying their light or ministry to others. Then we see Continue reading →

The Bridegroom is Madly in Love with His Bride!

Posted on by
Reply

Wedding Of Renata Kochta And Thomas FrankThe Moment had finally arrived! Like a perfect bride with an angelic glow, the women of my dreams began the walk down the aisle gripped in the hands of her father. The pounding and fluttering of my heart was so hard that I was sure everyone could hear it. Any difficult times throughout our dating relationship all faded at the exhilaration of the wedding day. That moment will forever be etched in my memory for eternity.

In His earthly ministry Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding. In 1 Jn. 2:1-10, we read the account of Jesus and His disciples at the wedding where His mother seemed to be helping to host. Like most wedding celebrations, I am sure they

When Jesus looks upon His children, He sees His beautiful bride soon coming down the aisle arrayed in splendor   (tweet)

were enjoying the fellowship and festivities, when Mary comes and presents the dilemma of the shortage of wine to Jesus. As you can guess this would be a great embarrassment for the bridegroom. At this time Jesus had not done any miracles yet in His ministry, yet His mother knew He was the answer to this problem.

As the story proceeds in verse 7-9, Jesus turns the water into wine. As custom goes the first cup of new wine is taken to the Bridegroom for a taste test and the approval. We read the reply in John 2:10, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” NKJV

Not only was this an incredible miracle for those at the celebration but also Jesus’ ministry was established through this powerful miracle of turning the water into wine. Every time God moves in His power, it releases God’s best amongst those He loves. In this case it was the best wine that was being saved for the last, which was

Having our eyes open to Jesus as the Bridegroom God brings the understanding that He is madly in love with us!      (tweet)

totally opposite of the norm. But, foremost this was a prophetic picture and revelation for the end of the age. Jesus begins His ministry at a wedding and then in Rev. 19:7-9, we read at the end of the age where it is concluded at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

One overlaying perspective of the Kingdom of God is seen in Jesus’ teaching ministry through the lens of a bride. The far-reaching message includes wholehearted
love, adoration of God’s splendor, unwavering commitment and devotion, as well as, Continue reading →