I'm temporarily taking over our family website to publicly re-declare my love and appreciation for my wife, Lesli, on this day our third anniversary (it's amazing to consider all that's happened in just three years). I can think of no better way to recount all that my wife is and has been than by remembering the vows and statements from our wedding:
Kevin and Lesli, the marriage ceremony is actually a covenant ceremony. Today you are making a public pledge or commitment. This is not your first public commitment of such magnitude. Previously, you have both announced the commitment of your lives to Jesus Christ. The covenant that you enter into today is also made with the Lord. This is, and should be always, your first and most important commitment.
Kevin and Lesli, will you strive to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength? Do you commit to building a home that is built upon the Lord, His Word, service to others, and prayer? And will you strive to use your lives, talents, time, processions, and marriage for the glory of God?
"We do."
Today you make this covenant with the Lord together, no longer as an individual but as a family. May you never forget that your relationship with God is the most vital thing in your life. You cannot truly love and serve each other if you are not first focused on the Lord. He is your ultimate source of strength and ability.
Now for your covenants with each other. It has been said that "love is as much a matter of the will as it is the emotion." Your marriage mush first be founded on your commitment to the Lord and secondly on your pledge to each other.
The Lord formed us all after His own image. In His wonderful design, God created both man and women of equal honor and value yet different in roles and ability. Therefore your covenants with each other are slightly different.
First to you Kevin for God made the man first and gave him the specific responsibility of leadership. We see the first tragedy of man not following his God given role back in the Garden. Adam remained silent and motionless as Eve took the fruit.
Kevin, do you vow to provide for and graciously lead and care for Lesli all the days that you are able? Will you strive to love her as Christ loved His church and gave His life for her…a love of sacrifice, service, and humility? Will you consider her life more precious and valuable than your own by protecting her physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally?
"I do."
And Lesli, as a woman, God has given you special abilities, desires and roles unlike Kevin's. To use these as instructed by the Lord brings joy and beauty to your marriage and home.
Lesli, will you according to scripture support and affirm Kevin all the days that you are able? That you will creatively, intelligently and sincerely support Kevin's leadership as deeply as obedience to Christ will allows; that you will encourage him in his God-appointed role as head; and that you will influence him spiritually primarily through your fearless tranquility and holiness and prayer.
"I do."
Now, let me charge you with these words you have selected from John Piper:
"Develop a wartime mentality and lifestyle; that you never forget that life is short, that billions of people hang in the balance of heaven and hell every day, that the love of money is spiritual suicide, that the goals of upward mobility (nicer clothes, cars, houses, vacations, food, hobbies) are a poor and dangerous substitute for the goals of living for Christ with all your might, and maximizing your joy in ministry to people's needs. "
On your rings, you have inscribed as a lasting reminder of your commitment and the Lord's promise from the third chapter of Proverbs:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
Lesli, thank you for so faithfully holding to your promises to both me and our Creator. Your are the greatest blessing HE has ever given me for through you HE has made me more than I was before.
ILY
k.
Kevin and Lesli, will you strive to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength? Do you commit to building a home that is built upon the Lord, His Word, service to others, and prayer? And will you strive to use your lives, talents, time, processions, and marriage for the glory of God?
"We do."
Today you make this covenant with the Lord together, no longer as an individual but as a family. May you never forget that your relationship with God is the most vital thing in your life. You cannot truly love and serve each other if you are not first focused on the Lord. He is your ultimate source of strength and ability.
Now for your covenants with each other. It has been said that "love is as much a matter of the will as it is the emotion." Your marriage mush first be founded on your commitment to the Lord and secondly on your pledge to each other.
The Lord formed us all after His own image. In His wonderful design, God created both man and women of equal honor and value yet different in roles and ability. Therefore your covenants with each other are slightly different.
First to you Kevin for God made the man first and gave him the specific responsibility of leadership. We see the first tragedy of man not following his God given role back in the Garden. Adam remained silent and motionless as Eve took the fruit.
Kevin, do you vow to provide for and graciously lead and care for Lesli all the days that you are able? Will you strive to love her as Christ loved His church and gave His life for her…a love of sacrifice, service, and humility? Will you consider her life more precious and valuable than your own by protecting her physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally?
"I do."
And Lesli, as a woman, God has given you special abilities, desires and roles unlike Kevin's. To use these as instructed by the Lord brings joy and beauty to your marriage and home.
Lesli, will you according to scripture support and affirm Kevin all the days that you are able? That you will creatively, intelligently and sincerely support Kevin's leadership as deeply as obedience to Christ will allows; that you will encourage him in his God-appointed role as head; and that you will influence him spiritually primarily through your fearless tranquility and holiness and prayer.
"I do."
Now, let me charge you with these words you have selected from John Piper:
"Develop a wartime mentality and lifestyle; that you never forget that life is short, that billions of people hang in the balance of heaven and hell every day, that the love of money is spiritual suicide, that the goals of upward mobility (nicer clothes, cars, houses, vacations, food, hobbies) are a poor and dangerous substitute for the goals of living for Christ with all your might, and maximizing your joy in ministry to people's needs. "
On your rings, you have inscribed as a lasting reminder of your commitment and the Lord's promise from the third chapter of Proverbs:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
Lesli, thank you for so faithfully holding to your promises to both me and our Creator. Your are the greatest blessing HE has ever given me for through you HE has made me more than I was before.
ILY
k.
