For Better or Worse

God is teaching me a lot about the importance of being DEVOTED to him.  Through some of my very own students, he is showing me that He needs to be my number one.  I have to be "hopelessly devoted" to Him, for better or worse.

Ryan has been teaching a series to the students at the SCCLC about "tying the knot." He started with the symbol of Tying the Knot with God.  Allow Jesus to be the knot that ties you to God and connects you to Him.  He continued it with a challenge and question for the kids if they have even tied the knot.  Then his last sermon was about TIGHTENING the knot.  Continuing in the sanctification process and allowing God to be your groom.  PUBLICALLY sharing your devotion to Christ.  He showed the video below as a challenge to the kids:

After Ryan spoke last week, he gave all of the kids an index card and challenged them to write their "vows" to God and return them to him this week.

This week, he gave the kids the opportunity to share their vows in front of the school.  The tears started flowing as student after student came up and shared their personal committments to follow and submit to Christ.  I couldn't help but be convicted as I sat there and listened to these kids share from their hearts.

I might get married someday soon, but I know that I don't want that to happen until I've already devoted my heart and my life to my Savior.  So I have decided to follow my students who I'm supposed to lead and write my own vows to Jesus, my bridegroom.

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VOWS TO MY BELOVED

You are my past, my present and my endless future and 

I know that You will never change.

You are faithful when I am falling, 

You give me grace when I return to You, and 

You love me when I don't remember to love You.  

You put me first when I put you last.  

What else can I do but commit to loving You eternally?  

What else can I do but vow to serve You until I see you in heaven?  

What else can I do but publically promise to follow You? 

Wherever it may lead.  

For better or worse, I promise to stand by You 

because I know that even in the worse parts of my temporary time here I can find comfort in You 

because You are my Healer, Sustainer, and Provider.  

I know that there will be countless betters because I can confidently say that 

our relationship will last longer than time can measure. 

So with this convenant I stand firm on the truth that You will never fail me, 

and though I cannot promise that I won't fail you, 

I can promise that I will remain faithfully and forever Yours, 

my bridegroom & my first Love.

Eternally devoted, 

Your Rachel Gentry

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Have you written Vows to your Savior?  I challenge you to also take the step to publically share and declare your love for your Beloved.  Listen to the song (below) that was being explained above, and meditate on the words.  God isn't finished with you, me or anyone, and He desires for us all to share and declare our endless love for Him.

Thanks for listening,

Rachel.