I wonder how many of you reading this have been married to the same spouse for 60 years ? My parents, Pete and Theda Hurn, celebrated 60 years on September 18th.
60 years … what a testimony for commitment … especially in this day and age.

Based on where I have been, it is strange that God has placed me in a pastor’s role where I counsel men and women with marriage issues. Only the Lord could have orchestrated something as ironic as this.

Sadly … here is a comment I often hear from Christian men who are considering divorce.
They say … “I am just waiting on the Lord’s will to see what He wants me to do.”
What a crock … a crock from Satan.

We are called to wait on the Lord … but there are times when HIS direction is already absolutely clear and it boils down to one word … OBEDIENCE.
The prophet Micah states what it means to be obedient within our marriage and all other relationships.

“… And what does the Lord require require of you ? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

God-honoring love, mercy and obedience … this is what held Pete and Theda together for 60 years and it will hold your family together as well.

Now that my wife and I have lived one year in the city of Chicago and four years in the west suburbs … there is one thing I know for certain. The location of the best ice cream shops. I just listed 13 total. In addition, most of them usually have a “flavor of the week”.

I believe it is perfectly OK to promote ice cream with passion. So if changing the “flavor of the week” every week satisfies the customer … especially me … hey … do it. Regarding ice cream … there are no rules.

Lately however, I have seen the same approach to spiritual matters. Some call it religion.
One week this is the favorite and most popular way to believe. Next week, make a few adjustments, then add a new twist to your “belief system”. How are the Hollywood stars or famous athletes worshiping these days ? Let’s give that a try. The “be good-do good” religion is really popular in the cool circles. Let’s jump on board.

The only ingredient in ice cream that really matters is milk … leave milk out and it simply is not ice cream. The only ingredient in a relationship with God that really matters is Jesus Christ … leave Him out and your worship is worthless. Is this my opinion ? No. This is God’s plan and He promotes it in a book. Regarding eternal spiritual values … God make the rules.

“… God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
1 John 5:11-12