Yesterday, on a most majestic summer day in the sunshine state, my best friend and associate photographer Stephan and I were blessed to photograph two of the most emotionally charged weddings I ever witnessed. The first ceremony took place at the new Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, FL where Eric and Melissa spoke endearing vows before friends and family. The second wedding was held at the Lange Farm in Dade city, FL among a peaceful southern setting.
However completely different, both weddings had one important thing in common: Christ Jesus. During the first wedding at the colossal Baptist church, the pastor got choked-up several times as he delivered a message about the groom whom he befriended two decades ago. Pastor Jake also got emotional when speaking of the bride’s father, a respected godly man. By the time Jake got to introducing Melissa, half the guests were in tears. The bride was also a servant of God who’s faith guided her to Florida where she was to meet her future husband Eric.
The second wedding ceremony was held outdoors as threatening skies circled all around. While dark storm clouds and lightning bolts danced high above the Dade City farm, two of God’s children joined in matrimony surrounded by one hundred year old oak trees and fresh cut green grass. An army soldier, Jonathan is about to ship out to Iraq answering the call to defend his country. In lieu of this, his wedding to Lacey was scheduled accordingly. While hurried, their ceremony and reception that followed turned out to be among the most awe inspiring gatherings I ever seen where young men and women ate, drank, sung and danced in genuine harmony with the Lord.
What amazed me most about both weddings is that at no time was there cursing or any wrong use of God’s name. In a world filled with profanity and sin, I can honestly say that for one day, an entire day, I did not witness any profanity.
Instead I witnessed peace, joy and gratefulness toward Jesus Christ. I believe I witnessed a small piece of heaven.
I witnessed godly young women dancing to Christian songs of love rather than devastating gangster rap. I witnessed virgin brides patiently obeying God’s commands rather than single mothers getting hitched. I witnessed purpose driven young men involved in God’s ministry. For an entire day, I witnessed godliness.
How great would it be if each day was like yesterday. If everyone invited Jesus Christ into their hearts then followed through by obeying His commands. But what are His commands regarding the use of profanity?
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” (Matthew 15:11)
“Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” (Matthew 15:17-20)
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” (Colossians 3:8-10)
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:34-36)
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
If cursing is an issue in your life, I invite you to ask the Lord to forgive you and pray for deliverance so that your words may become acceptable to God. Likewise, your children will inherit words of wisdom rather than words of hatred. Ironically I heard more cursing at a public water park on Friday from children then all day yesterday from adults.
What’s the language like in your home? Would Jesus be offended by it? Which television shows, music, books and magazines are deemed acceptable to you and those around you? Be sure to surround yourself with, and speak Godly words otherwise you are guilty of helping Satan spread words of evil which we all know is not pleasing to God. Adopt zero tolerance toward the use of profanity and you will reap the rewards that come with Godly living.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your unconditional love
For your forgiveness and your strength,
We thank you for looking after us, our families and friends
And for answering the prayers of those in need.
Lord we pray you will inspire us to spend more time with you
Through prayer and through your Word the bible,
Surrounding ourselves with your wisdom.
God please inspire us to speak words of wisdom
And fill all our hearts with your perfect love,
Lead us to those in need
So we can serve you through them.
Father we pray you will continue to shine your light bright
Upon us and all those around us,
And that you will lead non believers
To accept you as their savior so their lives are also filled with joy.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
