Thursday, February 09, 2012

Your Family Is Worth It

Dear Church Family,

I want to take this opportunity the week before Valentine’s Day to encourage all of you who are married that your marriage is worth the investment. I encourage each of you to take a little extra time this next week to in some way let your spouse know they are valuable to you. That doesn’t mean that they are perfect, but they are a gift from God. Each of us should take time to express that to our spouse.

Our marriages are to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church according to Ephesians 5:22-33. Wives are to show a great deal of respect and honor for their husbands as the church should respect and honor Christ. Husbands are to love their wives even as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. That means we are to give and sacrifice for the benefit of our wives.

I believe that if Christian couples will properly model the marriage relationship it will help draw people in the world to Christ. It will also provide a blueprint for our children to have great marriages when they grow up. Our decisions and actions will almost always have an impact way beyond ourselves, including in the marriage relationship.

I want to also encourage all parents to attend the parenting class that will begin on Wednesday, February 15th. God is turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers (see Malachi 4:5-6). This is a great opportunity to grow in our parenting skills. Parenting is one of the most important things that you will ever do if you have children. This class will enrich your family and train you on how to impact the next generation for the glory of God. We can do it. This class will provide tools that will help each of us to succeed!

Pastor Rebecca and I love each of you very much. We thank God for the opportunity to be your pastors and to speak into your lives. Thanks for all you do to help us reach this region for the glory of God!

Pastor Jeff