Thursday, June 16, 2011

Ready or not here I come by Stephanie Shott

Today, I have the privilege of highlighting the sweetest woman I've never met! I tell her that all the time, but if you've ever had any contact with Lynn Mosher, then you know why I say that! I love her heart for Jesus, for God's Word and for others! She sure does show us what it means to shine for Jesus!


Are You Dressed and Ready for the Big Day?

From the opening pages of the Bible, God relates to His people in a closeness of companionship so intimate that He compares it to a marriage relationship, as He said to Israel, “For your Maker is your Husband.” (Isa. 54:5a Amp)

In the closing pages, this relationship remains paramount, for the Father sent His Son as the heavenly Bridegroom to woo the heart of the perfect Bride into holy oneness with Him. The chosen companion suited for the heavenly Bridegroom as Peter says, “for you have been chosen by God Himself…you are holy and pure, you are God’s very own.” (1 Peter 2:9 TLB)

The Bride’s Preparation

In the ancient, Hebrew betrothal tradition, the groom departed from his bride-to-be to build the couple’s new home, which took approximately one year. During this time, the bride prepared her bridal necessities and equipped herself for her new life. All her wedding finery had to be ready at a moment’s notice, for she never knew when her bridegroom would come to snatch her away.

When the time came, the bride wanted not only to look her very best for the one she loved but also to be the very best for him, to be a good reflection on his name and his character. You see, the betrothed couple was considered married, yet they were not allowed to live together. Therefore, her behavior reflected on him.

How is Christ’s Bride living?

How is the Bride of Christ spending Her time while waiting for Her Beloved Bridegroom to snatch Her away? Is She preparing those things necessary for Her nuptials?

Does She love Him with all Her heart and soul, or does She entertain other loves? Is She doing the things the Holy Spirit leads Her to do? Is She studying the Word? Does She rearrange Her schedule to make prayer time a priority? Is She a good reflection on Her Beloved’s Name and character? Just what exactly is She doing to make Herself ready?

How does She look? How is She dressed?

Would a bride go to her wedding naked? Would you consider her appropriately dressed for her grand day of aisle-walking if her beautiful, bridal gown was covered in mud or big blotches of stains? Would she want to greet her beloved in that condition? No, of course not! A bride is immaculately dressed in her pristine, wedding attire, looking her absolute best for her bridegroom on their wedding day.

Likewise, is the Bride of Christ dressed in her pristine, bridal finery and ready for Her day of divine marriage? Or is Her garment dirtied with the stains of the world? Things like doubt, worry, unforgiveness, complaining, judging, gossip, lying, adultery, pride, impure thoughts, busyness, internet porn, other addictions, or anything else that grieves the Holy Spirit?

Have these mud-slings diverted Her focus from Her Bridegroom? Has She forgotten that Her behavior reflects on His Name and character?

Jesus asks His Bride, “Do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15 NKJV)

James tells us of the one who remains true to Her Beloved, “The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who...remains true to the Lord-not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world.” (James 1:27 TLB)

Is the Bride ready?

Is Christ’s Bride ready for Her day of snatching away? When the heavenly Bridegroom arrives, will He find us with a mopey face, hair covered in the ashes of doubt and worry, breath smelling of negative words, and dressed in a ratty, old rag of self-pity, ripped and spotted with worldly residue?

Or will He find us as “a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Rev. 21:2 NIV), adorned with a smile on Her face, joy in Her heart, songs of praise on Her lips, and be dressed in a pure, spotless gown of holiness?

Oh, sweet believers, may our lives be so holy and our readiness so complete that we shall have no sorrow when the Bridegroom comes calling for us, His beloved Bride.

“Behold, the bridegroom cometh!” (Matt. 25:6b KJV)

Are you ready?

~~Soli deo gloria, Lynn



Lynn's Bio...

Since 1966, I’ve shared my matrimonial nest with the same loving husband. Our nest is now empty but, on occasion, the three offspring, who have flown the coop, come to visit, accompanied by a lovable son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and three precious granddaughters.

After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2000, the Lord whispered to my spirit and placed the desire in my heart to write for Him. He knew the best area of service for me at this time of my life and gave me a true purpose for my remaining years.

I now write in obedience and, in addition to devotionals and inspirational writings, my first book will be published soon. My passion is to reach out to others, to encourage them in their walk with the Lord and to comfort them through my writing, giving God all the glory.

In trusting Him, I have found that every Jordan barrier converts to an open portal, every pit offers golden nuggets, and every hill of difficulty transforms into a mount of deliverance.


Lynn's Book: Ready or Not Here I Come

What treasures await discovery!

Come along with inspirational writer, Lynn Mosher, as she digs deep into the past, where you’ll discover an ancient, Hebrew betrothal tradition. Lynn uncovers twelve steps of this sacred custom that holds profound, spiritual significance for those believing in the coming Messiah.

As you travel along with Lynn on her journey of discovery, you will experience the remarkable parallel a Christian life reflects the twelve steps of betrothal.

Ready or Not…Here I Come is a handbook, complete with detailed, personal applications. As it takes you through each step, it provides insight and inspiration for the journey to completeness in Christ, revealing how to live the Bride-kind of life as that “glorious Church without a single spot or wrinkle or any other blemish, being holy and without a single fault.” (Eph. 5:27 TLB)

Come along on your personal bridal path, escorted by your Beloved Bridegroom to His Father’s Home. The Bridegroom is waiting to whisk you away to the marriage feast under the huppah.

Never has a feast been so elaborately furnished. Never has one been so lovingly served such an epicurean delight nor drunk of such a delicate, effervescent drink. This will be the greatest and most joyous wedding banquet ever.

Are you ready to meet Him? Are you “prepared—all dressed and ready”? (Luke 12:35 TLB)

Jesus says, “Ready or not… here I come!”


Where to find Lynn:

http://lynnmosher.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/lynnmosher
http://www.facebook.com/LynnMosher
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lynn-mosher/11/146/206

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