A+ Marriage is the Goal

A+ Marriage is the Goal

A+ Marriages Breathe In and Out

MARRIAGE THIS SATURDAY

This coming Saturday I have the privilege of officiating the marriage of a dear friend from the Atlanta area and her husband-to-be from Tuscaloosa, AL. After more than 30 years of marriage to their former spouses they both are now widowed. About a year ago they met, dated, and now, after much soul searching and discussion, are ready to become husband and wife. They are both solid, long-time Christians

The wedding will be family members only (including 17 grandchildren!) and just a few friends from both sides. The order of service will be traditional and I will refer to and read several passages that are deeply meaningful, including Genesis 2:18-24,

Ephesians 5:22-24, and

Ephesians 5:25-32 from the NKJV

Also one of my very favorite passages...it's a favorite of most people during a wedding...but sometimes the verses lose their punch because of familiarity.

Here is 1 Corinthians 13:3-7,13 from

The Message:

"...So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others,

Isn't always "me first,"

Doesn't fly off the handle,

Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn't revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back, But keeps going to the end..."

CONCLUSIONS from this passage:

We have three things to do as we grow in grace and the knowledge of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ:

1-TRUST steadily in God

2-HOPE unswervingly

3-LOVE extravagantly

...and the best of the three is
LOVE

LOVE is an UNENDING QUEST and

JOY for each of us...but what great verses to grow in and live by in their marriage vows to one another.

Please pray for the upcoming

wedding of Stephen and Ouida this coming Saturday

Ted Sprague

1 Corinthians 13:3-7,13

PS:

A MARRIAGE MIRACLE

As many of you know Tudi's parents were married 72 years, I came from a home that was broken 4 times and never met or knew my real father...Tudi was raised in church, I was a staunch atheist with a degree in Psychology...

I claimed Jesus as my Savior after reading the Bible

daily for 2 + weeks...Tudi got involved in Bible Study Fellowship and the Word came alive in her life

>>Isn't that very interesting both of us with totally different backgrounds were effected by "life changing" encounters with the Word of God?<<

50 YEARS-

This coming July 8th by God's grace and His mercy we will reach 50 years of marriage!

When we first got married Tudi asked me "HOW CAN I PLEASE YOU MOST?"

I drew a TRIANGLE...

God at the top, Tudi at the bottom right and me at the bottom left

As we each seek God first before each other...we will draw closer together. For nearly 50 years that continues to be our goal

Also WE ARE SO DIFFERENT...but that's really as cool as it gets

Here's why: WITNESSING

In very different ways...together and on our own...with the same goal... we both believe in being "John 3:16 witnesses":

TO LOVE PEOPLE SO MUCH THAT WE SHARE OUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

We have found eternal joy in daily living out the triangle for the past 49 years and 7 months. We recommend it highly!

Growing in Grace-

THE BOTTOM LINE ON THE JOURNEY TOWARD A GOD HONORING A+ MARRIAGE

(none of us have arrived, growing is the key):

BREATHE IN- Consistently be in the Word of God...by yourself, with your spouse, and in group settings. Fellowship around the Word of God is a great blessing of life...not to be missed

However as the human body would get sick if we only breathed in...so it is the same if we only are around believers and don't reach out to those who are without a Savior

BREATHE OUT- Appreciate each other's unique gifts each day, pray for one another in our every encounter, look in expectation for HIS open doors to proclaim the Name above all names...your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...

in love, graciousness and boldness...

when we say the name of Jesus it's ultimate living.

"For me to live is Christ and die is gain"

1 Tim. 1:7

*****

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