By Pastor Mark Moreno

Joy in the Walk

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

The months of June and July are often popular times for weddings. When does your anniversary fall? For me and my wife, it is in June. Today’s image captures the moment after the ceremony as we headed to the reception.

I like so much about this picture: My cheesy grin fixated on my wife, the bubbles swirling around in the air, the different faces focusing on different things. Just over our heads you can make out a few images of the pastors pictures on the wall because they had given faithful service to the Lord.

In Ephesians 5 we read,

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish”.
English Standard Version

By the grace of God, my wife and I have celebrated 29 years (and counting!) of marriage and in those years, there have been hard moments. Times of disagreement, disappointment, sadness, anger, and other challenges. However, the vast majority of those years have been joyous, adventurous, fun, happy and loving.

In the bible, the relationship of Christ and His people, the church, is likened to that of a marriage. God is faithful and true and keeps His promises. There are times that we stray, that we want to go our own way, and yet mercifully, God calls us back unto Himself.

As you look at your own marriage, or perhaps the marriages of other people, you will not find one single perfect couple. You will find two sinners that invite God into their life so that they will be whole.

In Ecclesiastes we read,

“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken”.
ESV

The truth is that relationships and marriages succeed because God is present. When they fail, it is due to sin and hard-heartedness.

I pray that you may find joy in your walk with God. I hope that you know that He is ever present and brings His good gifts of life, forgiveness and salvation all because of His love for you in His Son Jesus!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado