Allyson's Wedding

Last night, August 1st, I had the honor and privilege of uniting Shawn and Allyson Wilhite in marriage. Allyson is my daughter. She is the first of my children to be married. I'd like to share with you what I said to them in the wedding ceremony.

THE TOP TEN REASONS TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TOGETHER TO GOD'S GLORY

10. It will give you a greater appreciation for all God’s creation.
Ps. 8:1 O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Thy name in all the earth, Who hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens!
Ps. 19:1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
Ps. 57:5 Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Thy glory be above all the earth.

You will never be able to look at a sunset, hear a baby laugh, watch a bird fly, feel the wind on your face and a mega-billion other things without thinking of God.

9. It will strengthen your prayer life.
John 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If answering prayer brings God glory we surely ought to pray more.

8. It will keep you focused on the desperate need others have to hear about Jesus.
Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Matt 5:16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

7. It will protect you from fearing death.
Ph 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Jim Elliott said: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

6. It will help you fulfill all the 10 Commandments, especially number 5.
Ex 20:12 Honor your father and your mother...."

Tod, Kelly, Janet and I do not know what life holds for you from this moment forward. But we will be most honored if you are passionate lovers of God. Even if you should pay the ultimate sacrifice of your lives in some distant place telling others of God's love for them, we would be deeply honored.

5. It will give you the greatest joy in raising a godly family.
Psa. 78:4 But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD,
And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.
Psa. 78:6 That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born,

Ah! Grandchildren. I just had to work this one in.

4. It will give you a greater love for each other.
Eph. 5:22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

Truly seeking God’s glory above all else will force you to deny self and love one another as He has loved you.

3. It will give you a greater love for Jesus.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 17:1 These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee,
Heb 1:3 He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature....

Jesus, the eternal Son of God, is God. The glory of God is revealed most in Him.

2. Because God said to.
1 Cor. 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Cor. 6:20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

I think you both know by now that is reason enough.

1. It will make you happiest.
Ps 16:8 I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Ps 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices....
Ps 16:11 ...In Thy presence is fulness of joy;
In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.

What is the chief end of man? What is the chief end of a husband and wife? To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.
Seek your own happiness and joy. But I pray that you will not seek it from God. Rather that you will seek it in God Himself.

Jude 1:24-25 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.