I think that the opportunity of the future is to really go out and to transform American society, and where else is there a better place than in the institution that should serve as the moral guardian of the community. The institution that should preach brotherhood and make it a reality within its own body.
Dr. Martin Luther King Speech 1963 WMU
In the story of David and Johnathan a covenant was made between two great men who could have easily been in competition with each other. These men lived out true humility and vulnerability in the most difficult of times.
And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God – 1 Samuel 23:16. Without a friend like Johnathan we might not have know David as the great king of Israel – Dave Ibrahim
Lessons on the attitude and heart we need to embrace as mentors and mentees from the life of Elijah & Elisha. Elijah and Elisha demonstrated humility and sacrifice in their relationship – the two qualities needed for a great relationship.
In the beginning, God determined that “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). What was a simple statement for God can often feel like a profound mystery to mankind. Most couples enter marriage with dreams of a beautiful, glorious life together – a unity that sparkles in the universe. However, after a few days or months or years, one can find the SHINE has worn off. Our differences, our pasts, our expectations, our dreams often clash in the forging of one.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Imagine reading or reflecting on this passage before you get ready to communicate with your spouse. Let us pray that seeds of love, faith and hope can be planted over these next weeks and beyond as we focus on strengthening our marriages.
Starting off on our theme of “Spiritual Relationships” this month we begin in the book of Ruth. We saw three principles for having great spiritual relationships as demonstrated in the life of Ruth and Naomi: God at the center, paying the price and you get more than you give.
Frank, thank you for coming down to Central and doing such an amazing workshop! Words
cannot express how much we needed this workshop on one another relationships as a church. We are faithful and hopeful that our fellowship will soar to new heights!
From all of us here in Central: We love you and may God continue bless you, your family and your ministry.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Disciples today