Anyone that has journeyed with us for any extended period of time knows that my life verse is John 3:21. “But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”This is the verse that brings me comfort and brings me pain. I see clearly that for me to grow in my relationship with Christ it takes effort and action on my part. I must be active in practicing the truth and continually going to the Light of Christ…daily. As this action takes place on my part, those around me will see God’s Fingerprints in my life and during this process He will take and remold me into the image He declares Holy and Righteous.
This verse is also a key “filter” I use as I spend time in God’s word. As I read and spend time with God, I am asking God to reveal to me what I need to own and apply so as to be wrought by His Hands. It’s a great way to grow closer to Him and thus it begins to overflow into my marriage and family.
However, as the verse also states so clearly, it takes continual practice on my part. I daily must allow, submit to the Spirit of God, to direct my words, actions and deeds. That’s where the rubber meets the road and that’s where the trials can either make me or break me…depending as to how much I’ve been “practicing the truth.”
With all that said, beginning next week, Kerry and I will be sharing how we are living out a “3:21” in our lives. We will share how God is remolding our lives, how we are struggling with our practice time, as well as how the pain of being wrought by His hand brings the blessings of growing closer to Christ. I can honestly share that there will not always be glowing revelations and mountaintop experiences; however, our prayer is that as we become transparent with each of you on our journey with God Himself and hopefully it may speak to each of you at a given time as well.
Growing Bond-Servants of the King,
Joe & Kerry Vivian
PURSUIT OF MARRIAGE 