A Post for our Sons and Their Wives

And yes, for the rest of my readers, you are welcome to listen in.

“The word of God is living and active…” Once again I experienced the truth of this Scripture from Hebrews 4:12 during a recent devotional time.

Since before our marriage, two Scriptures have anchored my prayer time for Bill and me—Romans 15:5-6 and Psalm 33:20-22. Over forty years later, I heard God’s voice in a new way through these familiar passages; “the word of God is living and active”.

We received the gift of a sabbatical from ministry responsibilities this summer to rest and define our best contribution for the next season of our lives. These verses offered important parameters.

“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another,

in accord with Christ Jesus,

that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

Romans 15:5 and 6, Revised Standard Version

Only two relationships need to give voice to and affirm our next steps—us and God. Two relationships; highlighted two times; in two verses! Repetition signifies importance.

• Verse 5 puts it this way: “live in such harmony with one another”. Verse 6 uses the words, “together with one voice”. Each other, one relationship.
• Verse 5, “in accord with Christ Jesus”; verse 6, “glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”. God, the second relationship. 

Friends and counselors will guide us as we finalize this decision. We are thankful for their input; we will listen, eager for their wisdom. The final decision rests with God and us; the two primary relationships.

(Thoughts from Psalm 33 in a future post).

"The Law of God is in his heart, his steps will not slip".

Psalm 37:31