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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.
Tuesday
Picture: Soldier (armored boots)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-15 (emphasis on v.15); Psalm 18:29-36; Isaiah 61:1; Romans 16:20
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Think of a soldier putting on his combat boots. He makes sure they are the right size and securely laced. Likewise, in order for peace to occur, we too must be prepared to pursue and defeat the enemy. We fight not only for our own freedom but also for those who are held captive.
Do you put your “combat boots” on daily, making you ready to crush the enemy? Explain.
Who in your world needs to hear the Good News so they can be set free and finally have peace? What are they struggling with? Consider calling them or taking them to coffee/lunch.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Wednesday
Picture: Soldier (shield)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-16 (emphasis on v.16); Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 18:1-3; Psalm 91:4
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Envision a soldier’s protective shield. The ancient Roman shield was “made from goatskin or calf skin which was stretched over sturdy pieces of wood. It stood four-feet long and three-feet wide…Before going into battle, Roman soldiers drenched their leather-covered shields with water. When the fiery arrows of their enemies struck these soaked shields, the flames were immediately extinguished” (The Armor of God pamphlet, Rose Publishing). Just as this shield protected the soldier physically, our shield of faith protects us from the fiery darts spiritually. God will always stay as BIG as He is, but sometimes our shield (our belief in this big God) becomes small. We are then left to an all out attack from the enemy .
Has there ever been a time, or are you currently wavering in your faith in God’s promises due to life’s circumstances? Explain.
Write out at least three promises of God and use them all day long as your protective shield to quench the fiery arrows of the enemy.
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.
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.