Say Yes to the Dress

Do you know that tv show on TLC? My daughter, Mary Catherine, and I love to watch 'Say Yes to the Dress'. It's a show about an upscale bridal store in New York and their clients who are in search of the perfect wedding gown. It's so fun to see all the dresses! I think I could get married six times over just to get to wear a different dress each time! (To Chris, of course!)

Yes, it's fun to have an occassion to get all dolled up in your finest. We all want to look our best for the man of our dreams, don't we? The most romantic story to me is the one about the helpless maiden who is swept off her feet by Prince Charming. She has nothing to offer him but her whole heart and pure devotion. They become engaged and the wealthy groom wants to buy the bride the most beautiful gown ever designed, no expense spared.

Yes, there's no story quite like it. Did you know that's your story? Jesus loved you so much that he took you, helpless in your sin, and chose you to be His own. What could we, the impoverished bride, possibly offer our groom? Isaiah 64:6 says, "All our righteous acts are like filthy rags." This truth will either frustrate you or set you free.

The point is, even the most devoted servant is nothing without Christ! We, who are 'career christians', would do well to remember: Jesus paid it all and all to Him I owe. I can't serve His church, feed the poor, or give my tithe in an effort to redeem myself or make myself more attractive to God. I could never earn His love. I serve and give only in response to His love for me.

Get this - Isaiah 61:10, "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness." Are you listening? He clothed me. I didn't clothe myself.

Have you taken this all in? Does it stir your heart that He gave you beauty for ashes; strength for fear; gladness for mourning? (Is. 61:3) Do you see yourself as the chosen bride of Christ? Have you received this lavish love for yourself or are you still trying to earn it on your own? There is a groom, Jesus, who is preparing His bride, the Church, for the wedding of the century.

Will you 'Say Yes to the Dress'?

He's Kind of a Big Deal

In Matthew 6, we find Jesus teaching the disciples how to pray. This is really cool because it's like having Paula Deen teach you how to make fried chicken. Nobody makes fried chicken like Paula and nobody prays like Jesus. We've got the expert! If ever you wanted to improve your prayer life, now's your chance. Court is in session and the King is in Court so listen up!

Jesus tells us to start out our prayers with, "Hallowed be Your Name". Really? I always thought I was supposed to start my prayers with, "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" At least that's how I've always done it. Hmmm...maybe there's more to this prayer thing than I originally thought.

All kidding aside, I think Jesus makes a point that's worth our attention. We need to pause and realize who we're talking to. When we enter into the Presence of the Almighty we should remove any part of ourselves that would be prideful or assuming. The Creator of the Universe is worthy of our worship.

I am a HUGE U2 fan. One of the greatest dreams of my life would be to meet Bono in person. A couple of years ago, my brother-in-law, Jim, called to tell me of a pastor's conference he attended in which Bill Hybels showed a video of himself interviewing Bono. As my brother-in-law went on with his story I stopped listening and my face glazed over. Jim stopped and asked what was wrong. I said, "Jim, you know Bill Hybels, right?" to which Jim replied, "Yes". Then I said, "Jim, if you know Bill Hybels and Bill Hybels knows Bono then that means I'm only three degrees from Bono"!

This got me to thinking. If and when I meet Bono, do you imagine I will barge into his home demanding back stage passes and memorabilia? Of course not! I will fall all over myself trying to tell him how great I think his music is. Yet, too often when I come before my King and Redeemer, the only thing I'm tripping over is my list of demands.

Oh how great is my Heavenly Father. I want to be mindful of who He is each time I enter His Presence. May we never lose sight of who we're talking to. As we enter the Holy of Holies let us embrace His love with humility and grateful hearts!

Thank you, Jesus, for reminding us that our God is "kind of a big deal". And in case you were wondering...I'm still waiting for Jim to make that introduction.

Consuming Fire

Not many people know this about me but I'm a Johnny Cash fan. When the movie, Walk the Line, came out I became enthralled with the soundtrack. Who knew this 80's pop chick could love Cash's dark country style? My favorite song is "Ring of Fire" because of the passion in the lyrics. It was written by the love of his life, June Carter. It vocalizes the consuming passion that takes over us when we meet our one true love.

We all long to love passionately but don't always get the chance. Maybe the one we love is already taken. Maybe they don't share our feelings. Maybe something or someone is standing between us. Did you know that God has passionate feelings too? While God's love for you is not romantic in nature, it is just as passionate in force.

Look at Deuteronomy 4:24, "For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." Stop and read that again. This is a show-stopping verse!

God is only satisfied when His love totally consumes us. We think of jealousy as something negative and selfish but God's jealousy is precious! He created us which gives Him the right to be jealous when anything tries to take us away from Him. Our relationship with God should supercede all other relationships. When God commands us to serve no other gods it is because we were not meant for another love.

How comforting to know that someone loves us with such great affection. That God would go to such lengths to protect me is amazing. He wants to consume me with His love. Have you ever felt rejected? Have you felt passed over? You're not! You are loved with the same passion that created the heavens. That same love that drove God to sacrifice His only Son.

Whatever you are facing today, know this: Your God is a consuming fire. He loves you with a love that will outlast time. He is worthy of all your attention, your energy, your time, your resources, your worship, your focus, your interest, your passions.

Are you ready to fall into God's "burning ring of fire"? Move out of my way friends, cause I'm goin' in!