The Best Destination Wedding EVER

The Best Destination Wedding EVER                 

Most of us have attended many weddings and some of us have attended a destination wedding. That is one in which the ceremony is held many miles from the home of the bride. Very often the venue is some exotic or personally meaningful location. 

For any wedding there is preparation, especially for the bride. A major part of her prep is herself. She wants to be and look as beautiful and perfect as she possibly can.

We, who are Christ followers, are preparing for the best destination wedding EVER—and we are the bride!

It might be hard for you men to see yourselves as a bride. Nonetheless this is the reality for the body of Christ—His church.

Many times in Scripture, God’s people are likened to a woman. One of my favorites comes from Ephesians 5:25-27: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of the water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”

These three verses provide valuable information about Jesus’ relationship with His church—the church being the body of Christ as a whole—a collection of all who follow Jesus, both male and female. From this passage we learn:

• Jesus loves the church so much that He gave Himself her.
•  Jesus Himself will set apart and clean up His church. He has taken away the stain of sin and has provided His Word with its continuous cleansing action in our lives.
• Jesus will present the church to Himself a glorious, perfect, unblemished, holy, virgin bride. 

Paul said, “For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2b).

So, Church, just as an engaged woman prepares herself to be presented to her betrothed, we’re preparing ourselves for our Bridegroom, Jesus. We anticipate that glorious day of the consummation of the body of Christ to our Beloved.

In God’s revelation to John, He described the final judgements and the elimination of Satan and all evil. Then God gave John a glimpse of the best destination wedding EVER: 

And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!” Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”
And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”  And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.


Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God" (Revelation 19:4-9).

There’s no human way to describe this cosmic event, when the bride of Christ is eternally united with her Bridegroom—her Deliverer—her King.

This destination wedding will be held in a venue that’s out of this world—Heaven! 

 

And the reception! Oh my, the reception will be, by far, the best EVER as well—even beyond our imaginations! This event is called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Think about the most posh wedding reception or dinner party you’ve ever attended, then multiply that a bazillion times. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb will be even better than that. And we’ll not need to concern ourselves with calories or carbs, chemicals or pollutants. Everything will be beyond perfect.

We will all be the honored guests along with our Husband, King Jesus.

Guilt of past sins will never cross our minds again, cross words will never again be spoken to us nor by us, every tear will have been wiped away and there will be no fear, death, hurt or pain—EVER again.

We certainly have a lot to look forward to. Our own destination wedding is on the horizon and our Bridegroom is longing to draw us into His arms.

 ©Connie Wohlford 2016

Restoration and The Cross of Christ

Restoration and The Cross of Christ 

What does the word restoration mean to you? Perhaps having eyesight restored after surgery or the restoration of a historic home to its original beauty.

Restoration that comes from God actually restores a person to a condition far better than his or her former state. In God’s economy, restoration is about life—abundant life—every aspect of life. Moses said of the Lord, “He is your life” (Deut. 30:20).

“I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it           more abundantly.”  <> Words of Jesus—John 10:10b NKJV

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  <> Words of Jesus—John 14:6 NKJV

When Jesus went to the cross, He became the once-for-all (1 Cor. 5:7) Paschal Lamb (Ex. 12)—the Passover Lamb (Mark 14:12)—The Lamb of God (John 1:29).  

On Passover, in ancient Israel, a spotless male lamb was sacrificed to atone for sin—for the deliverance (salvation)—of the Jews. Jesus was the spotless Lamb sacrificed on the cross to atone for the sins of all mankind, once and for all.

John the Baptist recognized Jesus and announced, “Behold! The Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NKJV).

It was from the moment in time*, when Jesus died, that anyone who believes and receives Him may have abundant life for the rest of their days on earth and Eternal Life with Jesus in Heaven. Notice, I didn’t say a trouble-free life. Followers of Jesus have access to the attributes of Christ which can enrich life and give hope and peace even during earthly trials.

Anyone who will follow Christ will be restored to a right relationship with their Creator, God the Father. This cosmic restoration allows that person to enjoy the same fellowship with God that Adam and Eve knew before their fall. This restoration gives the follower of Jesus access to the abundant life spoken of in John 10.

It doesn’t mean we won’t ever sin again either. It means that when we do, we have an advocate with the Father. Jesus Christ, Himself will plead our case and help us return back to right relationship (1 John 2:1).  

God’s restoration means the spiritual death brought about by sin is replaced with spiritual life (Ezekiel 36:26, 27); that we will be one with Jesus (John 17:22); that we can live by the Spirit rather than by our flesh (Rom. 8:13); and that we can know God’s mystery, which is Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col. 1:26, 27).

SO, let’s rejoice in this amazing restoration to which we have access because of the cross of Christ. The crucifixion of our Lord made the way for each of us to receive the gift of Salvation—that’s being saved from our sin debt. At the cross He took the punishment you and I deserved. He paid our debt!

When Jesus rose from the dead, He overcame—He conquered death, hell, and the grave. In His own words: “I am He who lives and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hates and of Death” (Rev. 1:19 NKJV).

As Good Friday approaches, let us look with gratitude, to the cross of Christ and then let's celebrate, with great rejoicing, Resurrection Sunday, for we have been redeemed from sin's penalties and restored to a right relationship with God for all Eternity. Oh, Hallelujah!  

*Some researchers have suggested April 3, 33AD as the date of Jesus’ crucifixion. They say that geological evidence of an earthquake on that date and that location indicates this possibility. –Interesting!   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/jesus-crucifixion-date-possible_n_1546351.html

©Connie Wohlford 2016

A Lamp – Let there be light. (1)

Part 2.  A Lamp – Let there be light. (1)                               

                                

We continue with RiSiKiLi−

                       You know− Read it, study it, know it, live it.  

In my previous post, we looked at hearing God speak through His Word, continuing the greater theme of knowing God’s plan for one’s life. Now today let’s consider God’s provision of light so we can find our way through the plan He called us to follow. 

Psalm 119:105 states, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. NASV

When was the last time you walked somewhere in total darkness with only a flashlight? That flashlight would light up the area where you put your feet. If you’re a wilderness camper you know this experience well. This is like the lamp in the psalm.

Have you walked through darkness with only the light from a lantern? It illuminates the immediate area around you. This is like the light in the psalm.

We need both kinds of light along our path of life and God’s Word provides this. The lamp and light don’t show much of what’s ahead or around us. In the same way we can’t see the thoughts and motives of a person sitting right next to us. That’s where trust comes in. Faith in God and confidence that He has our best interest in mind is essential. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that faith pleases God. Let’s make Him smile today by trusting the light and lamp of His Word to show us the way. 

The truth of Psalm 119:105 should cause each of us, who’s a follower of Jesus, to immerse ourselves into the Words of our Creator.   

Do we really believe the Word of God will light our way along this path of life? How do our actions answer this question? For most of us our actions will answer, “Sometimes I believe that and sometimes I don’t.” 

We need to know for a fact, in the very depths of our being (that is in our spirits), that this passage of Scripture is Truth, and allow it to change our lives. I’m talking again about revelation understanding—the knowing that this passage is true for each of us every minute of every day of our lives. 

The first recorded words spoken by God Himself are found in the third verse of Genesis 1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. ³ Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. ⁴ And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:1-5 NKJV

 

SO—God’s very first recorded words were, Let there be light. Of course, He was referring natural light. But how interesting this is, in relation to our topic today, that these were our Creator’s first words.

Every believer can walk daily in God’s light. That is, God’s spiritual illumination. When we’re in darkness, it’s difficult to find our way.

When was the last time you stumbled on something unexpected while walking through a dark room? Every morning we wake up to a new day, not knowing what it will hold. Without God’s illumination it would be like waking up in a dark, unfamiliar place, unable to see obstacles that may cause us to stumble or pits into which we might plunge.

God knew from the beginning that mankind would need physical light in order to make it in the world. And He knew we’d need spiritual light in order to live in relationship with Him, walking out abundant life on earth and then on into eternity. 

Speaking of eternity—we who are in Christ will then experience the most splendid light of all. In John’s description of the New Jerusalem, he says, But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.  Revelation 21: 22 – 24 NKJV   

WOW—does that not make us just plum homesick!?   

But for now, let’s walk in the light of God’s Word. We’ll certainly have fewer bloody knees and sprained wrists. 

© Connie Wohlford

Scripture passages from: https://www.biblegateway.com/

Taste Test

“Risikili” – Part 6 – Taste Test          

We continue with RiSiKiLi−

                       You know− Read it, study it, know it, live it.

Is that you Lord? Say what? Hum, is that spicy taco talking to me?

Do you ever hear something in your head and wonder if God is talking to you?

I can tell you a good way to know—to be able to discern the voice of God. In my last couple of posts we addressed being able to trust God’s Word. Now let’s look at hearing God’s voice with the help of His Word—the Bible. 

In the natural, when we eat food our hunger is satisfied. Our digestive system kicks in and that food provides nourishment to our bodies so life is sustained, our cells are nourished, and we have energy for the physical and mental things we do day to day. Each time this occurs, we’re then hungry again in a few hours and need more food.  

 

When we read and study our Bibles we ingest the Word of God. With the help of the Holy Spirit residing in us, our mind, soul, and spirit processes it. It then becomes nourishment to our mind, soul and spirit and sustains life and health in the core of our being. That is in the essence of who we are in our innermost parts. It’s our spirit being, that part of us that communes with God, that defines the real you or me. That’s the part of us that lives forever.  

And that’s part of us that wars with our flesh (physical being) over what we will give ourselves to, in any given moment. Do you ever detect a battle going on between your flesh and spirit?

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 24:4

That battle might be to see or not to see a movie, to participate or not in a certain conversation, to eat a large piece of cake vs. a small one, to make that remark to my spouse or not, or to ask that hurting person if I can pray for him or not.  

This internal battle can involve much more serious matters like wrong sexual behavior, abortion, drug use, cheating, to study God’s Word this morning or sleep another hour. The list could go on into eternity. What’s your battle at the moment? What will it be an hour, a day, a month, five years from now?

In this battle, which part of you or me will be stronger? Which part has been strengthened most by things we’ve chosen to do, see, and think up to that point of decision making? Have we been feeding our flesh more or our spirit more?  

Which one is stronger? Which one has been winning these skirmishes in the past and is likely to win them in our future? 

Photo by thehambyhome

Just as our physical bodies need nourishment daily, our spirit needs nourishment every day in order to be the strong part and win the daily altercations. The winner determines our future. 

 

I am not talking about that devotional scripture in the little book we keep in the bathroom, or on the bedside table, or the one that comes across the computer screen each day.

Certainly these are helpful, but I am talking about devotion not devotional!  —And about revelation not just inspiration. Are we willing to set aside significant time in our daily routine to spend alone with God and His Word? For most people—whether they want to admit it or not—the best time is early morning. 

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You Psalm 63:1a

Photo by Connie Wohlford

So, you want to hear from God? Give His Word a chance to prove Itself. Be devoted to God and time with Him, getting to know Him intimately. We recognize best the voices of those we know best. Taste and see. 

 

Comments welcome.  

© Connie Wohlford 

Scripture passages from: https://www.biblegateway.com/

 

My Plan for You − Your Heart’s Desire

“Risikili” – Part 1 - My Plan for You − Your Heart’s Desire

 (Read it, study it, know it, live it.) 

Have you discovered God’s plan for your life? Do you even believe He has a special plan just for you? 

Consider these passages of Scripture: 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”  (Jeremiah 29:11). God’s plan for each of us is good. We can count on that. That’s not to say, it’s easy. But it’s guaranteed to be good. 

A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9) How can we find the right path among so many? 

 

 

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  (Psalm 119:105)

 

God’s Word, the Bible, can light the way and show us the right path to take. 

 

 

 

 

 The Word of God is quick (living) and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

We can hid nothing from God. We may as well do things His way. Dare we think we know better than He what’s best for us? 

 

Knowledge of the above scriptures should be enough to compel us to faithfully and diligently read, study, know, and live the Word of God. After all, this Word of God, your/my Bible, is the representation of Jesus that we can literally hold in our hands, press to our hearts, and see with our earthly eyes.  

In its pages, we come to know our Creator. The better we know Him, the more we trust Him. The more we trust Him, the greater our desire to do things His way and walk the path He designed for us. Yes, He has a plan! 

God told Jeremiah, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5) 

Knowledge of Scripture is not enough. If it were, more followers of Christ would be spiritually mature and walking in great faith and a joy-filled abundant life. If most Christians are familiar with these words and have even memorized them, but are still not hungry enough to be diligent to truly study God’s Word, then what is the problem?  What is lacking?   

I believe that a missing link is the fact that many believers seem to be apathetic toward God’s Word and the things of God in general. Often we are just more concerned with the things of this world.  

Another missing link is revelation.  People need revelation knowledge− that is revelation understanding− of the fact that God’s wonderful Word is life to our bones− that it holds the keys to finding and living the abundant life that Jesus told us is there for us when He said, “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”  John 10:10b   

Revelation understanding comes when we allow the Holy Spirit, Who indwells every born-again follower of Christ, to help us and teach us. We must acknowledge His presence and ask Him to be our guide. We do this through prayer. We should periodically ask ourselves, “What’s going on in my prayer life?” 

Would you agree that many Christians are not living out abundant life? On the other hand, take a close look at those who are, even those who live amongst serious trials. By the way, this has nothing to do with money or social standing. 

The abundant life that Christ wants to give us is a life lived to its maximum. I want to “max out” my life here on earth.  Do you?  I want to fulfill my greatest potential and to have my greatest success in all aspects of my life that is possible for me to have. Bet you do too. I believe my desire is not unique.

 

I know that I’ve often lived in mediocrity and have fallen short of my best, which is God’s best for me. Because of that, I am sure that I’ve missed out on blessings and accomplishments that God had planned for me. The following is a poem I wrote several years ago on this thought: 

Beyond Myself 

Beyond myself  --  God's Word is true.

He teaches me my whole life through.

Though life brings trials, toils, and snares,

Beyond myself, I cast my cares. 

I say, "But human's all I am"

He says, "You're more than just a man."

I have excuses for my short comings.

He says, "With Me, you quit your slummings!" 

Mediocrity has been my ride.

"Just get by." has been my pride.

But Jesus said to come up higher.

My plan for you  --  your heart's desire. 

"But, Jesus, how can I do so?

I'm only human, that you know.

My weaknesses, my faults, my doubts!

Go figure, Lord, what I'm about!" 

"Am I a man that I should lie?

My Word is Truth, so don't be shy.

I shed my blood that you could be

Beyond yourself and be set free!"

© Connie Wohlford - June 22, 2000 

We need to repent of not living life to its fullest− which, by the way, is living out God’s plan and not our own puny plan or even someone else’s plan for me or you. Speaking of which, that someone else includes Satan. He has a plan for me and for you as well. And it’s not good and it’s not abundant. His plan is for our destruction and for each of us to adversely affect others on our way down.    

We’ll continue this thought next post. For now, it’s time to pray. Is it time to repent of trying to push through our own agenda? Maybe it’s time to ask God His opinion− better yet, His plan. After a few minutes of prayer, I suggest we each read some verses or chapters of Scripture. If you don’t know where to begin, start with those mentioned above and see what comes before & after in your Bible. We will likely find a hint or two regarding His special plan. God bless you as you seek God’s path. 

My readers and I would be blessed to learn of some ways God’s Word has been a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. Comment if you’d like to share. Thanks.