Day 20: Three Years

Posted by on Apr 13, 2010 in Blog | 1 comment

Ephesian 5:28-32
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

SORRY. NO PROOF READING TODAY!

For those of you who have wondered why I have not posted in the last week, it is because of an abnormally busy schedule. First, we moved 2 hours from our previous temporary base. Moving takes time for sure, then once you move there’s all this other stuff to do. Right now there is a small mountain of cardboard boxes sitting on back porch. The garbage runs tomorrow, better get those out. To add it it, we are doing a face-lift to the ministry; new business cards, fliers, teachings, videos, missionaries, and a new website in the works. All of that makes day 20 comes almost a week after day 19.

Regardless, I am taking the time to announce that I will be taking the day off on the 14th. Why? Because on the 14th of April three years ago I got married to the most wonderful woman, Darlene. Today we will drive a few hours to do nothing but enjoy one another. Thank God. It’s nice to take a day off, but it is difficult. It’s hard to just forget it when what you do IS a hug part of who you are. I will work hard today to stop thinking about the things the Lord has directed us to do to raise our ministry’s $5000 a month budget, or how many months SEASON 1 will take to edit, or how we can strengthen and enable our Indian and African brothers to bless their communities with the whole gospel.

I think that is one of the reasons Darlene and I go so well together. We still wake up every morning and welcome each other to the day with a morning kiss. We walk in the same direction, with the same passion in our eyes. We walk arm in arm, urging each other forward. Revolutionary Life is the result of two people with the same dream from the Lord coming together. It is amazing. I love being able to discuss the hardships of being a love revolutionary with the one I love more than anyone. She is my covenant partner. She has everything I have. She is me. I would hurt you for hurting her. Really.

In these scriptures Paul tells us that the mystery of Christ and the church is much like a husband and wife. Why? Because they are both blood covenants that require the same dedication. It’s not about comfort or feeling, it is about blood. Back in the day when two people cut a blood covenant they cut somewhere on hand or wrist and mingled blood. Some put drops of blood into a cup and drank each others. It meant that from that point on, for life, they were bound to each other in such a way that it could require all they had, even their life, if circumstance demanded it. What I mean is that if you and I were in covenant and you or your family got in trouble, I would BOUND to give and do whatever I had and could to rescue you; even if it cost my life. If you were hungry, I was to feed you. If someone you loved was in danger and you asked my help, there was no discussion – I must go. Everything I have is at your disposal at your need. Everything you have is mine. I am not my own. You are me. I am you.

Welcome to marriage. Welcome to Christianity.

The absolute worst part of some very popular doctrines out there is not the thought of God lavishing us, but that in that lavishing OUR covenant requirements are neglected. Somehow we have strayed away from New Testament Christianity and found our selves reclining in the spa of comfort while our covenant partner is beating at the door of our heart demanding our help. We feel we can ignore His cries because it’s our choice. We think, “well if I don’t help that person God is asking me to it’s no big deal; I just want get any rewards in heaven.” My friend, that is insane. Read Matthew 25. You are required to give anything and everything the Lord ask. This isn’t some get out of jail free. This is a BLOOD covenant. We have requirements. Praise God that every time we make a mistake we are not cut off, but if we turn our eyes away from everything that God loves and cares about we are breaking covenant. We are committing the most terrible offense in old cultures. The breaking of a blood handshake; ignoring the one we have given ourselves too. What does God care about?

People. Particularly those lost and suffering. If it cost all your riches, you are required. Whatever he ask. He will bless you above and beyond, but the goal is not to accumulate fuel for the end time fire, but to take his side even if it means death.

If tomorrow I found out that Darlene’s dearest friend, or family, or Darlene herself was in real danger, what kind of husband would I be to do nothing? I wouldn’t be a husband; I’d be despicable. I’d be pathetic. I would not deserve her from that point on. If she made a major mistake what kind of sad man would I be to write her off? I would never want to. I love her. She’s my covenant partner.

We could never earn our salvation. It is a gift. We aren’t thrown away every time we make a mistake or struggle with our flesh. But, once we enter covenant there ARE requirements. They do not call all of us to travel to the ends of the earth (some it does), but right where you are there are some who God loves in need.

For most people there is nothing sacred left. How did we get here? Where someone dedicating their life to us means nothing. Lord help us; Lord help me. Covenant is Sacred and should never be broken. Ever.

Today as you go about what you do, consider the blood shed for you. Consider your covenant partner. Have you ignored your sacred covenant for the sake of comfort? Think about it; I am. To be set apart for the gospel means to keep your covenant.

Thanks for reading so often. You are amazing people. Together we can change the world for good.

I’m off to kiss my wife happy anniversary. Three years; more to come.