It takes a lot of work to prepare a bride. There are so many details, so much to do, so many things to get "right". There is the nails, the massage, the hair, the perfumes, the under garments, the the dress, the jewelry, the shoes, the veil and that is just the bride's attire nothing to do with the actual wedding.
We are the bride of Christ. Each of us individually but also the body as a whole. What are you doing to prepare yourself? The rest of the body?
James
3:13-18 (NIV1984)
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13 Who is
wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in
the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if
you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or
deny the truth. 15 Such
“wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For
where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil
practice.
17 But the
wisdom that comes from heaven is
first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate,
submissive, full of mercy and
good fruit, impartial and sincere.18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of
righteousness.
Are the brides and the bridesmaids fighting? Has the marriage
supper of the lamb become a free for all? Or, are we performing as eunuchs
preparing the bride to be fit for her king?
Jane Harmon:
Have you seen or met someone who has accurate revelations but their
words are harsh, cutting, presumptuous, prideful or inappropriate? Are you having
trouble in your soul realm?
Proverbs
21:23 (NIV1984)
23 He who
guards his mouth and his
tongue
keeps himself from calamity.
keeps himself from calamity.
How
many times does God warn us to keep our words sweet? Remember the bitter/sweet
water out of the same well? Avoid evil gossip, slander, back-biting, tale
bearing---guard your words.
Ephesians
4:29-32 (NIV1984)
29 Do not
let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building
others up according
to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do
not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling
and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind
and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God
forgave you.
How are we preparing for the bride?
Is your intercession preparing each detail?
Love this Sally. This is where we see the importance of relational discipleship. Without people helping us see what is out of place or needs adjustment we will not be able to get ready for the wedding alone. I love how Esther shows all that is entailed in preparation for a marriage to a king. Its amazing to me how even those outside of covenant are involved and instrumental in the process. It seems that intercession is more about the investment in others rather than focus on self-improvement. The quality of intimacy and devotion is what prepares our life. But its others who help hold up the mirror during the process
ReplyDeleteRob--thank you for your comment--you always get to the heart of what I was trying to say. Your last line completely sums it up. Thank you for expanding...you always bless me.
ReplyDeleteSo good! I really enjoy reading your posts.
ReplyDelete