November 4, 2017
2:00 0'clock PM
Hilton Hotel Ballroom
Ocala, Florida, USA
Benediction Prayer Exhortation
Dad -
Thank you for sharing with us your precious time today, as we experienced a celebration launching a holy institution that God started in the beginning for two imperfect individuals being united to become an imperfect couple.
When I heard this verse many times in the past: "That is why a man (or woman) leaves his "or her" father and mother and is united to his wife (or her husband), and they become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 NIV
I thought that when the day comes - and it came today, I would lose a daughter. But, today I realize God's unstated gain out of His design in marriage - my wife & I actually gained a son, while Kevin & Jill gained a daughter that we both did not have. Yes, imperfect ones but it is a gain nevertheless.
Also, this imperfect couple - now gained complete 4 imperfect pillars of support to lean on as they build the home they now are establishing, with both of us their parents behind them. (Yes, again imperfect, but today they gained 2 sets of parents)
Such an amazing design of God to usher a union He purposed to be blessed.
So, as I, with my wife and fellow parents of this newly formed launching pad of a family, send them off to navigate the vast ocean called marriage - the union of a man and a woman. And as they now establish their family and home, I say - Dustin and Sarah, I don’t have a prepared usual toast. Rather, I have a story to tell you and a prayer of declaration for you.
And First, here's a story I want you to take with you as reminder. This is the same story I heard last century when we, Mae and I started our journey. This kept us in checked - me mostly.
"There was a rich man who embarked on a long journey. As he prepared for his journey he instructed all his servants for what they do while he was away. One of those servants was his master builder. Before he left, he called his master builder. He said to the master builder, I'm going away. And while I'm a way, I want you to surprise me on my return. I want you to build me a beautiful sturdy house on a hill that withstands the test of time, season and weather. Make it your masterpiece. Make it the strongest house there is, built with the best materials there are and the best craftsmen you can find. Here is your funding. No limits. Build me the most beautiful and strongest house. Then the rich master went on with his journey.
As the rich master now gone, the master builder went to start the work he was tasked to do. Along the way, as he started designing, planning and assembling the resources he needed to build the strongest and most beautiful house that his master asked him to do, an idea hit him. He said to himself - "I need not build this house as the master ask. I need not spend as much and still build a beautiful looking house. I am going spend much of the funds for me to enjoy, instead." So he did in deed spend instead much of the funds that his master provided to enjoy a lavish lifestyle, enjoying all the cravings and whiles of the flesh that he almost forgot his project. He squandered the time and money he had been provided. Then he realized his master was almost returning.
So he rushed to assemble illegal and unlicensed workers he could find anywhere. He ordered substandard materials from China. He built in a rush a weak house with sub-standard low quality materials. Then he designed a very beautiful facade of the house resting on a hill. When his master returned, he saw from afar the magnificent looking house on a hill. Excited, he eagerly sought his master builder to thank him for such a beautiful house which he instructed him to build.
Then he called his master builder. The rich master said to him- thank you my good master builder for building this strong and beautiful house. This is indeed your masterpiece I see. Built according to my specification by the best craftsmen there are. Now, as my reward for what you have done - To you I give this beautiful house. This is yours to live in and enjoy my dear master builder!
The master builder gasped in utter disbelief. He crumbled over his legs. Regretting, if only had he known it was his house he was building he would have built it as the master specified – with Steel from Pittsburg. Not China. With Craftsmen from Florida! The best there are.
Yeah, if only he knew it.
Guess what Dustin & Sarah, now you know. The house you're about to build is yours.
Let the Creator build it. The Bible says -
“Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it;”Psalms 127:1a NKJV
Build it with the best Materials from heaven. “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Here's the promise of the Master’s word -
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”Philippians 4:19 KJV
Now, go build your home. Please know and remember. We love you. And, Jesus loves you!
Dustin & Sarah, I pronounce blessings of our
Almighty Father in Heaven in Jesus Name upon you. I declare the fullness of God's provision of grace upon you. You are blessed in the city. You are blessed in the field. God rains His favors upon you. I proclaim prosperity and success in all that you do. I declare God’s gift of beautiful and healthy children to fill your home. May God use you mightily in your calling for His glory. All these I pray, in the most gracious, holy and powerful name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And, I say … AMEN!
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