God's wardrobe for us

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:12-14 The Message

As Christmas approaches and we have the blessing of going to many end of year celebrations, one of the questions we ask ourselves before each event is, "What shall I wear?"  For me, I don't have an extensive wardrobe so it doesn't take long to answer that question. 

But what are we wearing on the inside? What's happening with our attitudes as we layer on the extra activities of the end of year and Christmas season, to our already sometimes too full lives?  Are we wearing the clothes that God picked out for us?

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-loved [by God Himself, by putting on behaviour marked by] tender-hearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. Colossians 3:12 AMP

Ahhhh - look at that last behaviour mentioned - patience - and how it has been amplified ...

Which is tireless and long-suffering, and how the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper. 

Patience - a fruit of the Holy Spirit. This end of year and Christmas season is a great time to cultivate all of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We certainly get many opportunities too grow them more, so lets willingly take them and grow.

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. Galatians 5:22-23 AMP

For me, this morning I woke with a plan in mind for this day.  Mid-blog writing, it becomes evident that the needs of a child has now completely changed my plans. My first thought - really??????? And then the Holy Spirit reminds me of the scripture this blog starts with - choosing to wear the clothes that God has picked out  - and the first one is .... compassion. So I pray,

Heavenly Father, this day is yours, I acknowledge that, and I surrender all my plans. Forgive me for my attitude. Please give me the compassion I need, help me to wear the clothes that you picked out for me today and grow more fruit today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Question for today, what clothes are you going to wear today? Are you going to choose the clothes God has picked out for you? 

And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]. And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. Colossians 3:15-16 AMP

 

Who has gone on before

My steps have held closely to Your paths [to the tracks of the One Who has gone on before]; my feet have not slipped. Psalm 17:5 AMP

There is One Who has gone on before you. He knows exactly what is going to happen. He has made a way for you.

We see this in 1 Chronicles when God speaks to David about a battle he is in ...

And David inquired again of God, and God said to him, Do not go up after them; turn away from them and come [around] upon them over opposite the mulberry trees. And when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry or balsam trees, then go out to the battle, for God has gone out before you to smite the Philistine host. 1 Chronicles 14:14-15 AMP

And David's response ...

So David did as God commanded him, and they smote the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gezer. And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations. 1 Chronicles 14:16-17 AMP

God has gone out before each of us. That truth brings so much peace, especially in the times of battle. I have found that to stay in that place of peace there is a responsibility on me to do as these scriptures say ...

1. Stay on God's path - don't get distracted and deviate

I'm staying on your trail; I'm putting one foot in front of the other. I'm not giving up. Psalm 17:5 The Message

2. Keep inquiring of God - asking Him what you have to do next.

I have called upon You, O God, for You will hear me; incline Your ear to me and hear my speech. Show your marvelous loving-kindness, O You Who save by Your right hand those who trust and take refuge in You from those who rise up against them. Psalm 17:6-7 AMP

3. Do as God's commands - have courage to do as God commands, knowing that He has gone on before.

Then there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is My Son, My Chosen One or My Beloved; listen to and yield to and obey Him! Luke 9:35 AMP

Question for today, is there a circumstance you are facing that is causing you distress? Do you know in your heart that God has gone on before you and He has prepared a way?  If not, ask God to reveal more of His truth to you in this area. 

For those who love what you reveal, everything fits - no stumbling around in the dark for them. I wait expectantly for your salvation; GOD, I do what you tell me. My soul guards and keeps all your instructions - oh, how much I love them! I follow your directions, abide by your counsel; my life's an open book before you. Psalm 119:165-168 The Message

 

What we have

The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:14 The Message

This is available to us today .....

The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ .....

The extravagant love of God .......

The intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit.

How blessed are we?  

It is so easy in the trials to focus on what we haven't got, when the truth is we have all we need, when we have Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit.

I don't have much more to say today, other than pray that we all get a fresh revelation today of His grace, love and desire for intimate friendship with us.

Amazing grace.

Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves. Philippians 4:23 The Message

Extravagant love.

Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn of a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 1: 2 The Message

Intimate friendship.

Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah! Romans 5:11 The Message

Let's sing and shout our praises to God today.

Testimonies

Your testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. Psalm 119:111 AMP

When did you last have the sense of your heart rejoicing? For me it was yesterday watching our youngest daughter and her friends swimming and laughing, just being children playing, because they are blessed to live in this country.

But that was a moment in time that caused rejoicing in my heart. Psalm 119 often mentions God's testimonies - His word - and what His testimonies can continually do in our heart if we chose to regularly immerse ourselves in them.

Let's meditate on some of those scriptures today, asking God to reveal more of His truth to us as we read His word.

I am Your servant; give me understanding (discernment and comprehension), that I may know (discern and be familiar with the character of) Your testimonies. Psalm 119:125

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek, inquire for and of Him and crave Him with our whole heart. Psalm 119:2 AMP

Your testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. Psalm 119:24 AMP

I cleave to Your testimonies; O Lord, put me not to shame! Psalm 119:31

Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to uncovetousness (robbery, sensuality, unworthy riches). Psalm 119:36

I considered my ways; I turned my feet to [obey] Your testimonies. Psalm 119:59

Your testimonies are wonderful [far exceeding anything conceived by man]; therefore my [penitent] self keeps them [hearing, receiving, loving and obeying them]. Psalm 119:129

You have commanded and appointed Your testimonies in righteousness and in great faithfulness. Psalm 119:138

 

Your righteous testimonies are everlasting and Your decrees are binding to eternity; give me understanding and I shall live [give me discernment and comprehension and I shall not die]. Psalm 119:144

I cried to You; save me, that I may keep Your testimonies [hearing, receiving, loving and obeying them]. Psalm 119:146

Of old have I known Your testimonies, and for a long time, [therefore it is a thoroughly established conviction] that You have founded them forever. Psalm 119:152

Your testimonies have I kept [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them]; I love them exceedingly. Psalm 119:167


AMEN. AMEN. AMEN.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of all those people years ago who took the time to translate Your word so that we could have easy access to it today. Thank you for the life that it brings every time we read it. Thank you that as we read it we can be expectant that you will speak to us. Thank you for fresh revelation every time we read it. Thank you that your testimonies are the rejoicing of our heart. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 
 
 

 

The sole expression of the glory of God

He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature,  upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3 AMP

Jesus. He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature. The Message bible puts it this way ...

This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God's nature. He hold everything together by what he says - powerful words! Hebrews 1:3 The Message

Jesus, who said to the Jews,

For I have come down from heaven not to do My own will and purpose but to do the will and purpose of Him Who sent Me. And this is the will of Him Who sent Me, that I should not lose any of all that He has given me, but that I should give new life and raise [them all] up at the last day. John 3:38-39 AMP

Jesus, who said to the crowd in the temple,

Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life. John 8:12 AMP

Jesus, who said to the people in the temple, 

He said to them, You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world (of this earthly order); I am not of this world. That is why I told you that you will die in (under the curse of) your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He [Whom I claim to be - if you do not adhere to, trust in, and rely on Me], you will die in your sins. John 8:24 AMP

 

Jesus, who prayed for those who crucified him.

And Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they divided His garments and distributed them by casting lots for them. Luke 23:34 AMP

Jesus, who said

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. John 10:10-11 AMP

Today, as we read and listen to what is going on around the world, let's remember Who Jesus is - He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature, and what He did - He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt. 

What He has done for us, truly gives us life here, and life eternally. Thank you Jesus - the sole expression of the glory of God. 

 

Living Water

O GOD, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is. Psalm 63:1

I looked up from my desk on Tuesday and saw my plant, not looking too happy. It was in a dry and weary land where there was no water. I thought that is exactly how I feel sometimes, just plain tired, in need of deep refreshment.

So I watered my plant, and the next day it looked like this ...

Restored, full of life, poised ready for the photosynthesis process. The missing ingredient, water, had been provided.

The Bible reminds us in John, that Jesus is our living water, and that when we drink from Him we will never be thirsty again.

But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.  John 4:14 AMP

Today, let's choose to drink the water that Jesus gives, so that we can be poised ready to do what He has called us to do.

Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst - not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life. John 4:14 The Message

I will listen

I will listen [with expectancy] to what God the Lord will say, for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints (those who are in right standing with Him) - but let them not turn again to [self confident] folly. Psalm 85:8 AMP

Ken was reminding one of our children yesterday that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. In the Psalms we are reminded too, of the importance of listening ...

But My people would not hearken to My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them up to their own hearts' lust and let them go after their own stubborn will, that they might follow their own counsels. Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! Psalm 81:10-13 AMP

In Proverbs we are often reminded to listen ...

Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 5:7

Listen to me now therefore, O you sons, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Proverbs 7:24

Now therefore listen to me, O you sons; for blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who keep my ways. Proverbs 8:32

Listen (consent and submit) to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them in your mind [believing them]; your lips will be accustomed to [confessing] them. Proverbs 22:17-18

Jesus too, reminded us to listen ....

And He called the people to [Him] again and said to them, Listen to Me, all of you, and understand [what I say]. There is not [even] one thing outside a man which by going into him can pollute and defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him and make him unhallowed and unclean. If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening [and let him perceive and comprehend by hearing]. Mark 7:14-16 AMP

Question for today, are you listening with expectancy to what God wants to say to you today?

Oh yes, he's our God, and we're the people he pastures, the flock he feeds. Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks. Psalm 95:7 The Message

 

No other name

I'll be completely frank with you - we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one." Acts 4:10-12 The Message

This morning I was praying about a Christmas play our church's children's dance, drama and sing group is putting on in a few weeks. I was asking God to help us to not get caught up in the organising and preparation, and loose sight of Jesus (and not just the baby doll we are using) and what it is that we are celebrating.

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 AMP

The birth of Jesus. When you have your first child, life certainly changes dramatically for the parents. Jesus birth offered the opportunity for every human's life to change dramatically. His birth was the first step in making a way for our salvation. Without His birth, there would have been no crucifixion and resurrection. There would have been no way for us to be reconciled with our Heavenly Father.

Yet now has [Christ, the Messiah] reconciled [you to God] in the body of His flesh through death, in order to present you holy and faultless and irreproachable to His [the Father's] presence. Colossians 1:22 AMP

As the celebration of Christmas draws nearer, lets be purposeful about remembering Who it is all about. For whatever Christmas celebrations you are involved in, ask God to help you keep the joy of Jesus in your thoughts, words and actions. 

Here are some beautiful worship songs that always help me, in the busy-ness of life, to put Jesus in His rightful place in my life.

Find me at the feet of Jesus - Christy Nockels

Leaning on you Jesus - Christy Nockels

Let it be Jesus - Christy Nockels

No sweeter name - Kari Jobe

Sweep me away - Kari Jobe
Revelation Song - Kari Jobe

And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 AMP

 

Thank You

I will thank You and confide in You forever, because You have done it [delivered me and kept me safe]. I will wait on, hope in and expect in Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your saints. Psalm 52:9

Today we will get Victoria's MRI results. This morning as I started a conversation with God, I began by thanking Him for where she is today. Victoria's life has progressed very differently from the initial prognosis spoken by her oncologist. I have a lot of respect for him and I believe he did what was best for Victoria at those times. However, there is One Who knows all. One, who just doesn't have a prognosis, He knows exactly what is going to happen and when it is going to happen. His thoughts are higher, and His ways are higher.

"I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work." GOD's Decree. "For as the sky soars high above the earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think." Isaiah 55:8-9 The Message

Secondly I asked Jesus for His peace to be in Victoria today as she waits. It is not an easy time for her (understatement).

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the centre of your life. Philippians 4:6-7 The Message

 

As Victoria gets older this journey is so much more about her faith and her relationship with God. It is of little reassurance to her having Mum and Dad saying, 'It will be okay.' She needs to know that in her heart - a reassurance that only her Heavenly Father can give her. When you have faced disappointment twice previously, hearing the news that the tumour is growing, it takes a new level of trust to overcome that disappointment. It takes a new level of hope to remind yourself of what God did for you in both those circumstances. It takes a new level of faith to continue to believe that God is on your side.  Praise God for child-like faith.

Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 AMP

There is so much to be thankful for. Today God we give You thanks and praise for every one of those things. We thank You for where Victoria is today. We thank You for all you have taught us on this journey, and continue to teach us. We thank You in faith for a good result today. We thank You that You are a good God.

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

 

Power, love and a sound mind

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

A friend recently sent me this scripture, as an encouragement and a reminder of what God has given us. And how grateful I was to receive it. Not just receive it via email, but receive it in my heart. Receive the truth of what God has given us. The Amplified Bible puts it this way. Let's declare it out loud together ...

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

And again using the New Living Translation ...

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

And again using the New International Version ....

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

What is happening in you now? Are you starting to receive this truth? If not, keep declaring this scripture. Take whatever it is that you are feeling fearful about and speak to it with this scripture. 

Today, let's choose to live out of what God has given us - His Spirit, and let's remind our flesh Who it is subject to.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 NKJV

 

 

Grace

For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favour and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 AMP

Jesus. 

What would our lives look like if we didn't have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour? We would not have the promised future of eternal life. We would not have the unearned, undeserved favour and spiritual blessing and truth that comes from Him, right where we are today. The Message bible puts it this way ...

We got the basics from Moses, and then this exuberant giving and receiving, this endless knowing and understanding - all this came through Jesus, the Messiah. John 1:17 The Message

As I reflect on some of the goings-on in our family this week, I am even more in awe of His grace on our lives.  In awe of His tender and unique love for each of us, providing for each of us in different appropriate ways. 

For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favour and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). 2 Corinthians 8:9 AMP

Question for today, as you reflect over your week, how have you become more acquainted with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? Let's give Him thanks that His grace is so evident in our lives. And in that grace, let's do all that He has called us to do.

But by the grace (the unmerited favour and blessing) of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect). In fact, I worked harder than all of them [the apostles], though it was not really I, but the grace (the unmerited favour and blessing) of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10 AMP

 

Strength and peace

'Stuff' has  been going on over the past couple of days. 'Stuff' to try to shake us. 'Stuff' designed to get us to take our eyes off Jesus. Other 'Stuff' has been happening to refine us, designed to draw us closer to Jesus. 

As I read Psalm 29 this morning, it reminded me that 'stuff' goes on, and we are called to 

Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;

&

Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

And that in the midst of all the 'stuff'  ....

The LORD will give strength to His people;

&

The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Amen!

I pray that as you read this Psalm, God will give you fresh revelation of where He is, and what He can do, in the 'stuff' that happens in your life.

Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones,

Give unto the LORD glory and strength.

Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;

Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters;

The God of glory thunders;

The LORD is over many waters.

The voice of the LORD is powerful;

The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,

Yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon.

He makes them also skip like a calf,

Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire.

The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;

The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth,

And strips the forest bare;

And is His temple everyone says, "Glory!"

The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood,

And the LORD sits as King forever.

The LORD will give strength to His people;

The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Psalm 29 NKJV

 

Draw near to hear

Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Ecclesiastes 5:1 NKJV

Draw near to hear. How often to do we go to God with our words and our thoughts? So keen to tell Him what we feel and what we need. The Message Bible warns us in verse 2 ....

Don't shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think. Don't be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear. God's in charge, not you - the less you speak, the better. Ecclesiastes 5:2 The Message

There is plenty to ponder in that verse alone. But for me the essence is, do more listening than talking. Something along the lines of ...

Let be and be still, and know (recognise and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted on the earth! Psalm 86:10 AMP

In our conversations with other people, how difficult would it be to hear what they had to say, if we just talked all the time, leaving them no opportunity to say more than 'hello'? Well, today, let's make sure we give God the space in our prayer time to say more than 'hello'. Let's give Him the space to speak to us. Let's choose to draw near to hear, not just to talk.

 
Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiates 5:2 NKJV