“The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.” (Jer 33:11 AV)
On the 13th of July 2013 my son Robert was joined in holy matrimony to his bride Heather. Before God and a host of witnesses they exchanged their vows to love and nurture each other as long as they both live.
It was a time of great celebration, a time of joy. The voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride were heard as they joyfully expressed their love for each other. I thank the Lord that even in these perilous times we live that God still blesses and upholds those who seek to do His will. God’s mercy indeed endures for all generations unto those who will humble themselves before Him. My prayer for Robert and Heather is that God would for a time insulate them from the world around them as He cements this relationship and that God would continue to mold them to be viewed by all as a testimony of God’s mercy and grace.
We live in a time in which that which is good and praise worthy is being despised and rejected. Thank God for these moments of Joy and gladness, for I grieve for my Country and my people. Even many of those who still who still profess Christianity are straying from the truth and rejecting the fundamental principles for holy living that are essential for our well-being. Successful marriages have become a rarity instead of the norm, even in the Church. Yet God is patiently pleading that people would again turn from their wicked , selfish ways, and seek truth. For where there is no repentance, there is no reconciliation. And without reconciliation their will be only judgment and death.
“Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.” (Jer 25:10 AV)
Seek the Lord while He may be found.
“1 ¶ «A Psalm of David.» Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Ps 103:1-5 AV)
Bob Gunderson