I attended a wedding a while back where the officiating minister used an interesting phrase in his wedding sermon that I had never heard used in a wedding: “Territorial Rights”. We usually use this phrase when we talk about certain countries having territorial rights or jurisdiction over certain pieces of land or waterways. But, apply that to a marriage between two independent people and we can have turf wars of our own.
Do we have ‘Territorial Rights’ once we merge our lives in marriage? Do I have rights as it pertains to “my money” versus “your money”? Do I have any rights to the TV remote control or computer time? Do I have rights to certain housekeeping chores and expect those I don’t like to be yours? Do we have a right to put ‘Do Not Trespass’ limits when it comes to lovemaking? Do I have a right to claim certain food in the fridge as my territory?
We all struggle with Territorial Rights. But you cannot survive a marriage defending your rights. Marriage is a merger of spiritual proportions. Being selfish in a marriage is like being a Christian while leaving God out of your life: doomed to failure.
What territory are you defending that needs to be surrendered?
Tags: marriage, surrender
Last Sunday night we had our first Healing Service. It was a great night and we have two confirmed healings already. If you can confirm a healing in your life, please comment to this blog so we can all be encouraged in our faith.
When Jesus traveled around, he had a reputation for healing people. He didn’t stay in any one place very long, so no one got close to Him unless they uprooted their lives and followed Him on His wanderings. But, those who did leave home and job learned much by observing His interactions with troubled people. And his entourage grew as He journeyed.
It seems a part of the course that if we want to get close to Jesus, we have to leave something worldly behind. What is it that He’s asking you to surrender in exchange for getting closer to Jesus?
Tags: surrender, worship