Binding Mr. & Mrs.
Matt Miles • August 2, 2021
Over the course of the last several weeks, I have attended, participated or officiated in three weddings. Each ceremony was unique in venue and decor, but the foundation through each wedding was the Lord. It was exciting to see in each couple love for their spouse and the Lord. As each couple committed for life to each other, they acknowledged the Lord’s divine binding of marriage.
Each couple understood the origin of the marriage relationship is found in Genesis 2. It was created by God, between one man and one woman, on the sixth day of history. When forming man from the dust of the earth, it was the Lord’s desire that we not be alone. The man was in need of a helper, but not because of a weakness or distressful need. Rather this helper, woman, was to complete the man. There was equality in the Lord’s sight between the man and woman in image-bearing and importance, yet each with different roles and responsibilities in the marriage family.
Today this very important Biblical fact is under attack. It is often conveyed that marriage can be with whomever we desire, male or female. Many states already have or are in the process of defining marriage to include homosexual couples, so to allow “legal marriage” for them with all the rights and benefits therein. These states may think they have the power to define marriage, but in reality the Lord is the only one who binds in marriage. Otherwise marriage becomes, quite simply, a man-made relationship for self-interest. Without the understanding that it is not our license, rings, vows or kiss that bind us in marriage but rather it is the Lord, we are just entering into a contract with limitations and expirations. The true blessing and fulfillment in marriage comes from the Lord binding a couple together for life, and it is why “man cannot not separate them”. It is truly a divine union that has its origins in Genesis.
To all of our supporters and readers with many decades of marriage, please share often with the younger generation all the Lord is teaching you daily about each other and Him. Blessings to you and your families! May the Lord continue to bind you together closer day after day as you seek Him while LOOKING UP.
EACH OF THESE ARTICLES ARE EXCERPTS FROM AMERICA’S EPIC ADVENTURE TM - CTF'S NEWEST VBS CURRICULUM From Lesson 1: The Pilgrims, Walking by Faith in the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-6
There are moments in life that we experience the Lord’s Providence, which is the continual guiding and caring of us for His purposes. We may go though trials and suffering now to refine our faith in preparation for eternity. Other times we may see it for the here and now, with the aligning of plans for His purpose in our life, maybe with the opening or closing of a door. Many times we see Providence only in hindsight, looking back on life and seeing His hand working, molding and inspiring us for His plans and to His glory. I can see the Lord’s Providence at many times over the course of my life. Early in my grade school years I developed a love for building models I was recently reminded, along with my father, that we built a train set together in our basement. Following that, I began to build model cars and airplanes. I now know that love of building, tinkering and problem solving was Providence preparing me for this ministry. The Lord taught me early on how to stay focused and pay attention to detail. What I thought was only a hobby at the time is now something I must use on a regular basis in things such as fossil restoration, building crates, trailer and vehicle maintenance for our mobile museum. Later in high school, while active in church, the Lord called me to serve our children’s church ministry. I began to help teach others about Jesus. It seemed insignificant at the time. I remember helping in lesson times and the puppet ministry. I even was cast as “Pastor Rufus” in one of our ongoing puppet skits. My opportunities to share Christ and be an example to those younger than I was tremendous. Again through His Providence, the Lord was guiding me and calling me to ministry. He developed in me the love of teaching His Word to others, priceless to me today. Then in college Providence brought Theresa and I together. The Lord knew exactly who I needed to be my bride for life. She is strong in my weakness and more Christ-like than anyone I know. She is the perfect helpmate and partner for me in ministry as well, which has so far been 34 years, to be exact. Many times the Lord has used her discernment to direct me through a situation that I did not see correctly. I am thankful every day for Providence that brought us together in life and eternal work. As I look back on my life, there are more Providential moments than I have space to write. Most of those times have directly guided me to this specific ministry and my call to preach and teach His Word. Looking back on life and identifying those moments of Providence from the Lord is humbling and awe-inspiring. Please take a moment to remember your own moments when Providence has been evident in your life. This ministry is about identifying Providence from the beginning. His plan from the start is us spending eternity in His presence. Our sin messed some things up, but not His plan. He always has and always will know exactly how to guide and care for us so that we bring Him the glory, now and eternally. There is not a month that goes by that we here at CTF don’t praise the Lord for His Providence through you, our supporters and sustainers. Join with me in thanks for His Providence each day, guiding as only our Creator and Savior could do. Psalms 31:3-5 Blessings.