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Respite For the Weary
Have you ever wondered what God's favorite colors are? Greens and Blues? Reds and yellows? Maybe its all the colors of the rainbow? Or maybe its every single color, with every shade and hue. After all, he created each one with his perfect imagination!
From the beginning of Christmas Morning, I was asking God himself to pick his choice colors for the pages of this children's book. I personally see in black-and-white words, so my creativity in the world of art is close to nothing. I knew this story needed God's divine touch in order for it to come to life.
As I was praying this specific request, I also "happened to be" in the book of Exodus in my daily Bible reading plan. And it is in these pages that I found three (if not four) of his "favorite" colors! Over and over again, God chose these colors:
You shall make the tabernacle with the tent curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns... Exodus 26:1
And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen...Exodus 26:31
You shall make a screen for the entrance of the tent, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen... Exodus 26:36
Contextually, God is instructing Moses how to decorate the tent of meeting--a place where his presence would reside among his chosen people while they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Figuratively, my heart's desire is for God's beautiful truth to reside on every page of Christmas Morning.
So there you have it! Blue and purple and scarlet became my color scheme, hand picked by the Divine Decorator himself! And to add to it, the fine twined linen is the white line that is intentionally drawn throughout most all the pages of Christmas Morning. (I wrote about the meaning of this white line in my previous post: https://www.respitefortheweary.com/post/the-making-of-christmas-morning-backstory-and-the-white-line. .
Here is one more fun and awesome fact-- another word was repeated in these same chapters of Exodus:
They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Exodus 25:10
You shall make a table of acacia wood. Exodus 25:23
You shall make upright frames for the tabernacle of acacia wood. Exodus 26:15
Now, can I remind you that my illustrator's name is Acacia? I don't believe in coincidences. I do believe in God's intimate and intentional instruction toward his dependent and faith-filled children. Acacia, who also happens to be my daughter-in-law, is the person who God has appointed to bring Christmas Morning to life through his sweet and holy touch. I am amazed at how he is working through her!
God is in this book. His glory is what I want to come out of every page, every word, and every stroke of color.
I could go on and on, but instead, I will stop here and say, "Stay tuned."
There is more to come in the making of Christmas Morning...
Thursday
Picture: Soldier (helmet)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17 (emphasis on 17a); Ephesians 2:1-9; Colossians 3:1-2
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Think of a soldier putting on and securely fastening his helmet before battle. He understands a blow to the head is deadly, so it’s carefully applied. Likewise as believers, we must apply the helmet of salvation. In doing so, we choose to focus on the beautiful GIFT of our salvation in Christ as well as the hope of our future that is coming; when doing so, our minds are protected from the present earthly temptations around us. Carefully and slowly read this insightful excerpt by theologian Alexander MacLaren: “The helmet of salvation. This salvation in its present form will keep our heads in the day of battle. Its very characteristic is that it delivers us from evil, and all the graces with which Paul equips his ideal warrior are parts of the positive blessings which our salvation brings us. The more assured we are in our own happy consciousness of possessing the salvation of God, the more shall we be defended from all the temptations that seek to stir into action our lower selves. There will be no power in our fears to draw us into sin, and the possible evils that appeal to earthly passions of whatever sort will lose their power to disturb us, in the precise measure in which we know that we are saved in Christ. The consciousness of salvation will tend to damp down the magazine of combustibles that we all carry within us, and the sparks that fall will be as innocuous as those that light on wet gunpowder. If our thoughts are occupied with the blessings which we possess they will be guarded against the assaults of evil. The full cup has no room for poison.”
What dominates your mind, your present troubles or your future hope? Explain.
What is something you look forward to in your heavenly home? Meditate on this with a thankful heart all day today.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Monday
Picture: Soldier (belt and breastplate)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-14; Psalm 119:160; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about any soldier dressed and ready for combat. This week we will be looking at a soldier spiritually applying the armor of God in order to fight the daily battle of evil. With the application of ALL these pieces of armor, the soldier is able to stand firm (Ephesians 6 repeats “stand firm” many times.) Due to the multiple pieces of armor, today’s focus is BOTH the belt and breastplate. The soldier fastens himself tightly to the truth of God’s word. And then, the breastplate of righteousness is one that was purchased at the cross. It is an honor to put it on.
Is you belt completely fastened to His truth rather than what culture is tell you is true? Explain a lie of culture that is tempting to believe.
Are you wearing His righteousness or trying to be righteous on your own through doing good works? (One way to help you answer this question is to check your motives for doing the good works.)
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
FridayPicture: Soldier (sword)Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 (emphasis on v17b-18); Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 18:37-39; James 4:7Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:Close your eyes and envision a two soldiers in the midst of a sword fight. One is well prepared and knows exactly when and where to strike; the other is in complete panic. Just like a soldier trains for war and knows how to use his sword appropriately and accurately, we too must be ready to use God’s powerful word in times of distress. Of all the pieces of armor of God, the sword is the only offensive one. In closing of this great passage, it’s also important to note that continual prayer in the Spirit for self and others is addressed. Fervent prayer helps keep all pieces of armor in place.Explain a time when you used God’s word to help you gain a victory in a battle whether it was mentally, emotionally, or physically. Is there a verse or a passage that you are currently focusing on or memorizing in order to keep your sword sharp and ready for battle? Write it here.Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Wednesday
Picture: Bride (His proposal)
Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-3; Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 1:17-18; John 3:16; Revelation 22:16-18
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about one of your favorite wedding proposal stories. Think of the detailed planning and the excitement of the event. In the same way, God invites each one of us personally (and all of us collectively) to respond to His loving invitation to become His own. If we answer “yes”, the joy He has is immense. This is the beginning of a LONG TERM relationship, one full of His love; the more time we spend with Him, the more understanding we have of this love.
When did you respond to Jesus’ invitation of “Come to Me”? Explain.
In this long term relationship with the Lord who is 100% faithful, what are your strengths and weaknesses as you walk with Him each day?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Tuesday
Picture: Bride (His pursuit)
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 2:14-15; Isaiah 41:9-10; Psalm 37:23-24
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Envision a man taking the woman he loves on dates, holding her hand, bringing her flowers, and writing her love notes. Likewise, God is chasing each one of us with His love! He longs to reassure us of His commitment to us day in and day out.
What are ways that can help you be aware of His daily loving presence?
What are some of your favorite worship songs that declare God’s love for you? Write the titles here and then consider listening them today.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Friday
Picture: Bride (our response, now and later)
Scripture: Psalm 27:8; Song of Solomon 3:4; Ruth 1:16-17; Phil. 3:7-11; Revelation 21:1-7
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think of a bride saying her vows to her husband on her wedding day. Hear her say these words of committed love as well as see her put a ring on the groom’s finger. In the same way, our response to God’s great love is to love Him back with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Of course we will not do it perfectly on this earth, but there again, our God is patient with our human-ness, and He honors our humble desire to please Him. Someday in heaven, we WILL be without sin, and it is in this state and place that we will experience the full reality of the long-awaited wedding feast.
In light of God’s great love and faithful commitment to you, write down some “vows” or responses that you want to tell Him concerning your part in this relationship (perfect on His part, imperfect on our part).
What are you looking most forward to when the final and perfect wedding feast occurs?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall, I will rise; though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me. Micah 7: 7-8
Dear Lord,
Help us learn how to watch and wait expectantly for you. You are the light in any darkness! Give us a hopeful patience in times of trial, trusting that you will lift us up in due time. Be victorious over our enemy for your name's sake. Raise us up in your strength and justice. In Jesus' Name, Amen.