Daily Devotional

Do you remember your wedding vows? I hope you do. Those vows are so, so important!
As a pastor, I’ve certainly conducted more funerals than I have weddings, but my favorite part of the wedding ceremony has always been the vows. Here’s what I would normally ask the groom:

“Will you have this woman to be your wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her, as long as you both shall live?”
Everyone in the room (including the bride!) fully expected him to answer with, “I do.” And every man always did.

Marriage between one man and one woman is a picture of Jesus Christ and His bride, the Church. The marriage vows are our sacred promise before God of what we plan to do in this special relationship going forward.

But you know what? Even though the marriage vows are unique in that relationship, there is also a special relationship between pastors and the people who attend the same church. There is a mighty and unique bond between fellow believers.

I don’t know if you've ever thought about it that way but — as a pastor — I can assure you it is true, as far as we pastors are concerned.

As most of you reading this article already know, May 15th will be my last day at Campus Bible Church as the Pastor of Adult Ministries & Education. The last year and a half (with COVID-19) has been an interesting one — to say the least — but it has not diminished my love for you all. I truly do love you all and I will miss everyone so much.

When it comes to my love for all the saints at Campus Bible Church, I joyfully echo what Paul said to the church in Philippi when he wrote, “For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

Rather than a vow, Paul called God to the witness stand to testify about his love for the believers in that city. Wow! What a great verse!

Friends … we missed a lot in 2020 and even up to this point in 2021, due to the pandemic. But without question, the separation of proximity has by no means diminished my passion for you all. Indeed, I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus!

Please know that when my family moves to another state, you will all be on my mind often. I will be praying for you, and every update I ever receive will be like a refreshing cup of cold water to a thirsty soul.

Campus Bible Church … I pray that you remain steadfast, immovable, unshakable, and singularly devoted to the glory of Jesus Christ. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with these prayer requests.

May God richly bless this church!

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