“And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” 1 Thessalonians 3:13

Holy hearts and minds, the same hearts and minds that are in Christ. Being blameless and righteous before God what a way to live! When I counsel engaged couples preparing for not just the wedding ceremony but life as a married couple, I ask them to read Luke 1:6 before they come for the first session, it says, “Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.” Them are Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin. Living righteous and blameless lives is then the foundation of all we discuss. During the ceremony, I mention this standard; what a wonderful way to live, not only as married couples but as individuals as well. Peace on earth, lives full of joy and love are possible, if we would only turn to the One who transforms, who makes it possible for us to righteously and blamelessly before the Lord. We live in two times simultaneously. In one we hear, repent, the Kingdom of God is here; in the other we cry out, Come, Lord Jesus, come. In both, it is only by faith in Jesus that we may be made righteous and blameless.