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Respite For the Weary
All too often, we choose to keep our dirty clothes on. We're too comfortable; we're too guilty; we're too passive; we're too self-righteous; we're too afraid to take the risk. If we really knew what it meant to wear his robe we would not hesitate to have Jesus himself wrap us in it. He's holding it up for us to put one arm in, then the other. Will we?
Who needs grace, raise your hand.
My hand is up high. I need grace upon grace!
In my newly released children's book Christmas Morning, a little girl unwraps her final gift. She opens a box to find...a crimson red rode. It's velvety soft, and on the pocket, her name is monogrammed in white. After all the other gifts she has opened (see previous posts) she is humbled that this exquisite robe was hand-stitched, made uniquely for her. When the little girl puts the robe on, she feels like she is wearing love itself.
Symbolically, the name of this gift is the robe of amazing grace and it is meant for each one of us who knows Jesus as Savior.
Can you believe the King of kings took off his royal robe and gave it to you and me? But even before he did this act, he, in his lovingkindness, first took off our own filthy garments. All our sin was removed and placed on him at the cross. He dealt with it there completely. It is finished.
Then he robed us in his righteousness. Now that's amazing grace!
Here are a few verses that speak into this truth:
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness... Isaiah 61:10
Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” Zechariah 3:3-4
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9.
And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants,‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:21-24
All too often, we choose to keep our dirty clothes on. We're too comfortable; we're too guilty; we're too passive; we're too self-righteous; we're too afraid to take the risk. If we really knew what it meant to wear his robe we would not hesitate to have Jesus himself wrap us in it. He's holding it up for us to put one arm in, then the other. Will we?
In the story, I chose crimson red for the robe because it represents royalty. When we accept Christ, we belong to a kingdom that will out last and out shine anything this world has to offer.
Become the little girl in Christmas Morning. Marvel at his amazing grace and humbly wear his robe. It's yours--your name is monogrammed on the pocket.
You are his.
Thursday
Picture: Sheep (assembled in a flock)
Scripture: Micah 2:12; Luke 12:32; Psalm 100:1-3; Acts 2:1
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about a protective shepherd gathering his whole flock together. He counts each one, but also enjoys the whole. Likewise, our Shepherd loves each one of us individually, but He also loves to see His cherished people as a collective group. He is faithful in all His ways and His pasture is good.
Are you a part of a ministry or church in which you are being lead in His truth? How does this group of believers encourage you?
Is there someone who you could prayerfully consider inviting to join in with this current body of believers? Write their name here, and at God’s prompting, follow through with the invitation.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Friday
Picture: Sheep (following the Shepherd)
Scripture: Psalm 78:52-54; John 10:1-18; 1 Peter 2:25
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
In your mind’s eye, see and hear a shepherd calling out to his sheep, and the sheep immediately responding to it. See the sheep willingly follow their protector and provider. What an example to us from these trusting sheep! May we take this picture to heart when thinking of our Good Shepherd, who lovingly gave His life for each one of His children.
How well do you know the voice of your Shepherd? Explain.
Do you consider the choice path of your Good Shepherd to be trustworthy? Keep in mind His sacrificial love. Explain.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Wednesday
Picture: Body (hands/gifts to serve)
Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-11; Matthew 25:35-40; 1 Corinthians 12:11-20
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Close your eyes and see someone serving in some way, whether it’s helping to build a building or volunteering at a nursing home or making a meal for a family in need. The focus today is using our many different gifts to be the “hands of Christ” in our service to the orphan, the widow, our neighbor, or anyone the Lord puts in our personal path. Quiet service might get overlooked by our culture, but it never gets overlooked by God. He is so pleased when we love one another through acts of mercy.
Can you recall a time when the body of Christ, whether it was one person or many, came to your side and served you in time of need? Explain.
Is there a specific people-group in which you feel God has called you to serve? What are ways in which you do so?
Thursday
Picture: Body (feet to walk)
Scripture: Acts 3:6-9: Ephesians 4:1-7; Colossians 1:9-12; Hebrews 12:1-3; Isaiah 52:7
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Envision taking a long new and unfamiliar trail walk with a map in hand. The idea of course is stay on the trail and follow the directions to the final destination. Similarly, because of our faith in Christ, we “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). The challenge is to resist our old life of the flesh. Every day, He has a path for us to follow in which His word is our guide and His Spirit is our help. He promises to be with us every twist and turn.
What are some recent praises or challenges in your faith walk?
Do you have a favorite life verse(s) and/or song(s) that helps your faith walk? Write them here and then consider sharing them with a friend who may need encouragement in his/her own walk.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Tuesday
Picture: Body (a heart to beat)
Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9; Jeremiah 24:7; Jeremiah 32:38-41; Psalm 86:11-13
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
When the Bible speaks of “the heart” it encompasses the thoughts, feelings, and desires of an individual, not just his or her emotions. With this truth in mind, close your eyes and think of your own heart. Today’s focus is twofold: 1. the heart of man, left to himself, is deceitful, BUT, 2. we are not left without hope! God can transform any repentant heart into something beautiful. It is important to note, that when our individual hearts beat for Him, they collectively beat as one.
Do your thoughts, feelings, and desires line up with God’s thoughts, feelings, and desires found in His word? Explain.
What has God recently laid on your heart and how have you responded to His nudging?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Friday
Picture: Body (a mouth to proclaim)
Scripture: Psalm 34:1-3; Acts 8:25-40; Romans 10:11-17
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Close your eyes and see yourself explaining something to someone, whether it’s how to change a tire or how to fix a special recipe. In the same way, we have the great privilege of sharing the Good News of Christ. In the presence of one or many, we can praise Him for who He is and what He has done in our lives, and we can proclaim Him by speaking about His truths found in Scripture.
Did you come to know Christ through someone who shared the gospel with you? Explain.
How does this person and his or her witness challenge you?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord; studied by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:1-2
Dear Lord,
Today we come to you with thankful hearts, acknowledging the great things you have done for us. We are full to overflowing with both your tangible and intangible blessings! We will name them one by one. In Jesus' Name, Amen.