The Chosen Must Choose

Begin with a garment of praise, for a spirit of heaviness.

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How are we dressing ourselves?  Each and every day we awaken!  Yes!  For some that’s awakening early before the sun is up; and for others, the daylight must be seen with the smell of brewing coffee in the immediate distance.  

Every day is a new day and our senses are awakened, alive, and have arisen.  But, how do we get dressed?  Are we choosing to clothe ourselves in the character of Jesus?  

We are told by Paul, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”  (Colossians 3: 12)  

We have a choice of which garment we put on.  No ugly sweaters are allowed!  They might reveal an ugly character!  Seriously, we must put forth every effort to live as God would have us to live.  

That’s why we need the Holy Spirit to help us.  In our flesh, our natural tendency, wants us to be in our old nature.  But as a chosen vessel of the Lord, we must choose how to act and how to dress ourselves. 

Getting dressed in the morning is not enough.  We get to go out into the world and interact with one another.  We rub faces and arms with one another.  This rubber hits the road, and sometimes rubs arms and noses with one another.  

“Bear with each other, and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”  (Colossians 3: 13)  

  • This prevents the rubber from being burnt.

On top of all of these commands, here’s the cherry on top, “Put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  (Colossians 3: 14)  

  • Love is the glue that connects us.
  • Love is what keeps us.

If we want perfect harmony, we must embrace, putting on love.  It’s an attribute to be clothed with as well.  

Paul doesn’t stop there.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace.”  (Colossians 3: 15)  

  • If we ask for unity, we must let peace manifest.  

How does that activation occur?  

  • Learn to respond and not react.
  • Listen before we speak.  

Part of our calling is being “Called to peace.”  (Colossians 3: 15)  Paul then adds, Oh,  another thing, “Be thankful.” 

How can we accomplish this?  “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.”  (Colossians 3: 19)  

  • The Word of God inside richly will aid in enabling us to respond and not react.  
  • The Word of God admonishes us in wisdom.  

Final word, “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through Him.”  (Colossians 3: 17) 

  • We have our part.
  • Holy Spirit has His.
  • It’s always our choice how we release Him.

(Shared from Colossians 2: 20-3: 17, Modified) 

The Nations Weren’t Properly Dressed

Ezekiel is now speaking to Egypt saying, “I am against you Pharaoh, king of Egypt, you great monster you among your streams.”  (Ezekiel 29: 3)  Being a great monster is not a term of endearment, is it?  

Their hands were not a warm and friendly handshake.  “When Israel grasped you with their hands you splintered and you tore open their shoulders when they leaned on you, you broke and their backs were wrenched.”  (Ezekiel 29: 6)

  • The enemy loves to not only wrench but break and wound us.
  • Hateful and unkind words splinter us and tear us, leaving an open wound. 
  • Getting properly dressed each morning will prevent splinters from lodging and tearing us up.

When God puts His sword in the hand of the enemy, people will know who Almighty God is!  

When I put My sword into the hand of the king of Babylon and he banishes it against Egypt…then they will know that I am the Lord.”  (Ezekiel 30: 25-26)  

  • Putting our armor on each morning will aid in our victories over darkness and over the enemy.  
  • Clothing ourselves with the fruit of the Spirit is a weapon.  Yes, love is a weapon.  

(Shared from Ezekiel 29-30, Modified)   

An Invitation Goes Out

How does an invitation go out?  Is it going out with a welcome spirit behind it?  When we accept an invitation, we must feel welcomed.  We welcome one another in the way we act and love each other.

Isaiah put it this way, “Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.”  (Isaiah 55: 2)  

His Word Goes Out

Hear His invitation, His Word, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.”  (Isaiah 55: 6)  

Just “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My Word that goes out from  My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”  (Isaiah 55: 10-11)

  • Whatever words come out of our mouth, are going forth to accomplish what they were speaking.  
  • Kind words (Word of God) released brings blessings.
  • Unkind words (curse words) released brings calamity.

Lord, let the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you.  For I know what’s in my heart, will come out.  Each time I use my tongue, I can bless or curse.  Keep my heart pure and free from being used as the enemy’s tool.

The Chosen Must Choose Words Wisely

Tomorrow is a new day.  We have garments to choose what attire we dress in each day.  Begin with a garment of praise, for a spirit of heaviness.  Jesus has said, “I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.”  (Zechariah 3: 4)  

  • Jesus removed our filthy garments and put on us His rich garment, full of glory!  

Why would we choose the old garments?  Old garments prevent His glory from being seen.  

  • He’s already covered up all of our sins, by removing that filthy garment.  
  • Now it’s time for us to uncover Him and reveal His glory.  

“Be dressed and ready for service and keep your lamps burning.”  (Luke 12: 35)  

  • Choose your attire carefully.

 

 

 

 


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About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com