A Godly marriage- pass it on!

May the blessing of the Lord be your strength in 2011.

Jamie and I celebrated my parents 56th wedding anniversary last Friday night. Along with Tommy (my middle brother) and a note from Dixon (my older half brother), who could not attend. We each took time to celebrate what my Mom and Dad meant to us as kids and now as adults. Each of us talked about the Godly heritage we'd received from them. They are both strong Christians putting their faith into action. As children, Mom and Dad took us to church each Sunday and instilled in us the Christian values that we embrace today.

They passed on to us the Godly heritage of a great marriage. Founded upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Because of their faithfulness, we enjoy the blessings of a great marriage. Not that it was all due to them but the heritage they passed on to us has been critically important in shaping our relationship. We are in turn passing on that heritage to our children. Where they will have the benefit of two generations of marital success. They'll pass it on to their children and their children's children. Each generation benefiting from the one before.

Psalms 61:5 AMP- For You, O God, have heard my vows: You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere, and honor Your name.

Psalms 119:111 AMP- Your testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

These two scriptures speak eloquently of the importance of heritage. As David cried out to the Lord "You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere and honor Your name". He understood the significance of that heritage being passed on to his children and the impact that Godly heritage would have upon future rulers of Israel. David had some issues as we all know however his great redeeming quality was his ability to connect with God and worship Him as Lord. What a wonderful heritage to pass along to future generations, the ability to hear from and connect with God.

As Christians our heritage is one of great promise and blessing as we become partakers in the covenant which the Lord made with Abraham. We are heirs and joint heirs with Christ in the inheritance that is eternal life. Perhaps you have read the passage below regarding the Godly heritage of Jonathan Edwards contrasted with that of another man:

Jonathan and Sarah Edwards had ten dedicated, godly children. A study of their 729 descendents over five generations showed that 300 were preachers, 65 were college professors, 13 were university presidents (this was in the days when colleges and universities were godly institutions), 60 were authors, 3 were congressmen, and one was a vice president. By contrast, the ungodly Mack Duke and his brother married sisters, and the study of their 1026 descendants over five generations showed that 300 died an early death from wicked living, 140 spent an average of 13 years in the penitentiary, 190 were prostitutes, and 100 were alcoholics.

Our prayer for you is that the seed of Godly heritage planted within you would be passed down from generation to generation. May it produce Godly men and women who would serve the Lord all the days of their lives. May it bear fruit in the form of Godly marriages which pass the test of time. Make a decision to pass on the heritage of a Godly marriage. It will have eternal significance to the husbands, wives and children that come after you. After salvation, it's the greatest gift that you can give to those you love. Pass It On!!!