Dressing up for Prom and dressing down for Worship Part 2

Dressing Up for Prom and dressing down for worship!

Part 2

Today many feel it is better to dress down for worship so everyone will be comfortable. They think that this will put everyone at ease? But if you are attending a Sweetheart Dance, Prom or Fashion Show or celebrating Valentine’s Day, or going out for a nice dinner then it’s proper etiquette to dress up. When Christmas or Resurrection Day/Easter rolls around you can also dress up if you like as well.  You want to look nice for those pictures with Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny.

“GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER!” 

However, you still might get a few stares if you come to worship looking like you are wearing your tithes and offerings! Do you really see all the giving a person does… Remember “But my God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4. This goes for the Church too! 

A little humor is always good. But we need to seriously take a look at just how blurred the lines are. I see the trend. But what or who do we give more honor to, perhaps, what others think about us. God wants to be a part of every area of our lives!

Worship is important!

Worship adoration, devotion and praise are important. We ought to worship and praise our Lord daily. Imagine if every believer really did. What a grand marvelous time we would have whenever we all got together. It would not be simply a release your burden day. Sunday is important! CHRISTmas is important! Resurrection Day is important! Each day is important because it may be your last.

Everyday strive and thrive with God. Make it a priority to spend time in His presence during the week. Honoring God daily is important. Worship is a time for reflecting upon all that the Lord has done for us. Jesus Christ’s sinless life, crucifixion, death & resurrection are all very important.

Every time we come to together it really is important to worship the Lord. You can do this sitting or standing. Quietly or in Forte` mode! There needs to be a balance. Sunday Worship really is the ultimate Red Carpet Affair! “OH THE BLOOD!” Jesus Christ shed HIS precious SINLESS BLOOD and atoned for the sins of the whole world. WOW! Without HIM becoming the Ultimate Holy Sacrifice; none of us would be able to enter into Heaven. There is cleansing POWER in the BLOOD! What is more important than that?

Your choice to DRESS UP or dress down?

How important is it to dress for worship? Some are even subconsciously encouraged to dress down thinking this means that they will have more money to give for the offering? God can and will supply All that is needed. This is true for His church as well. The CHURCH needs to trust GOD more…

Whatever happened to proper etiquette or being well groomed? Just because? We have thrown it out the window and replaced it with “dress down.” It is the new way to express yourself. To show that you are humble? Or is it just plain laziness? Or is it conforming to the world’s standards? Here is the dilemma it is hard to tell sometimes where am I? I did not ever hang out in bars or night clubs. But I can still recognize a hangover or when someone is under the influence.  Am I in worship or am I on a cruise or at the park? No, I do not have Alzheimer’s; if I did it wouldn’t matter!

God truly is the Great “I AM!” God is The Most High God above Him is no other. Worship is about us recognizing Him as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! When you leave worship you should leave knowing more about HIM & HIS WORD!  The Word teaches us; “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what GOD’S WILL IS – HIS GOOD, pleasing and PERFECT WILL.” Romans 12. So why have we; God’s Church begun to conform to the dress standards of the world?

When we dress up we look like we are material right? Well clothes are made out of material. Just because you have on a pair of jeans and a tee shirt does not mean that you are any less material!  Have you seen the price of some of these jeans and tennis shoes & T shirts? It does not matter how much you did or did not pay for it. You can be quite material and have nothing…

What is your priority?

You have the freedom to dress however it is you want, when and where you go. My question is what is your priority? We must really begin to think on a much deeper level.

Did you know that children behave better when they are dressed? Taking the time to dress them tells them you care. If it is just in a T shirt let it be neatly pressed and tidy.  At the park let them at least go in clean if they come out dirty fine… When my children were young I took them everywhere I went. I made sure that they were well fed, well dressed, loved and well attended.

We as a family attended Worship during the week and on most Sunday’s all day long, all year long. They were well behaved, polite and respectful. They had plenty opportunity to run and play in the back yard  freely once they got home and put on their play clothes. Children actually feel better about themselves when they know you give them TLC as well!  Even they know innately that when you are in certain attire you need to stop fooling around and pay more attention. There is a time and place for everything.

I know when you are dressed up it means that you are too cute to worship? Know this is a judgment you are making. Now whose judgmental? However that only applies to certain people. Lord Help us! Absolutely Not!

Notice how the Royal family in England is always fit for the occasion. We have attended worship in England. Even when they dress down  they properly present themselves. Unless you catch them under the privacy of their own residences under a camera you will not see them dressed scantly or inappropriately.   In their private residences they should have the freedom and privacy to walk around as they please even if it’s nude. How would anyone know unless they infringed upon their privacy rights. In His time God will deal with those who do this.

Remember Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed. (Once they sinned God made them coats of fur skins…) The point is there is a proper time to dress or undress or be naked. Modesty is good. We can learn a thing or two from them. Well, guess what nothing or no one is more important than GOD! Through Jesus Christ we are a part of The Most High God’s Royal Family!

It is hard for me to believe that Solomon via God’s instructions built that first magnificent Temple for seven long years;  then said dress down or wear your sweats. Or your most comfortable clothes. Notice how detailed the temple and its contents are described in the Word. I do not think in its entire splendor that the people came dressed like “ragamuffins” when they came to worship!

We have missed the point!

When slavery was prominent in America the slaves even knew that on Sunday or during worship that they dressed up and presented themselves in proper attire. It was a time to leave the tasks and hardships of slavery, lay them aside momentarily and focus on worshipping the Lord! They honored the Lord above their slave master, pastor and everything else. Even if they did not have shoes they took the time to clean up well and present themselves in their best attire.  Whatever it was torn or ragged or new it was the best they had. 

The Colored/African American/Black worship services in general continues to encourage dressing up to a degree in your better attire at times. Moreso on their special occasion events.  Since the horrendous worldwide ravaging of COVID’S multiplicity of pandemic viruses people to a degree remain more casual.  Many have even opted to continue to work from home.  Some of the long standing cultural traditional congregations throughout the world also elect to make a conscious effort to present themselves to the Lord in a certain manner. Some opt to dress down in the warmer months; however, I believe that one should still dress no less than they do for any special occasion, work or school.  It is your choice.  God always knows what we do and why. Despite how others chose to present themselves my mother and father was keen on proper etiquette. As people of Color, I was taught to recognize that as a lady it’s important to present yourself in proper dress attire wherever you are!

I realize that we differ as to what is perceived as to what or whom is proper. For many this will change as to what is going on in or about worship on a particular day. Or until someone decides we need to do something different just because? Think about it? Was this true (200) two hundred years ago?

We the people are GOD’S CHURCH not the building. 

Always remember that God’s Church is the people not the building.  Sunday worship services are still somewhat segregated in some places. Closer to our home there are some really large mega worship centers and you see blended services.   We attended and participated at many types of worship services in small, large or mega size buildings.  We know God’s Church is actually a collective body of all colors and cultures all over the world. We who have accepted Christ Jesus into our hearts as Savior & Lord are His True Church.  GOD has only “ONE CHURCH!”   I do know that Heaven is not segregated like it is here on earth…  There are thousands & thousands places of worship all over the world. We are to daily seek His Will & His Way and embrace and live out the principles of His Word. What is most important that we represent Him in a way that is pleasing in His sight wherever we are or go to worship.

Revelation gives us an excellent visual of the “New Jerusalem”   the Holy City in Heaven. It is fabulously splendid. It is absolutely Awesome, so much so that the streets are paved with translucent gold. The walls are made of fine gemstones of sapphire, emeralds, sardonyx, chalcedony, jasper and…   The twelve gates are made of a fine single humongous pearl! WOW!   Think about it! Hmm just does not seem to me that throwing on a wrinkled T shirt and a pair of old baggy jeans, skirt or leggings would be appropriate…   No wonder why the ambiance in worship has drastically changed right along with the dress code. However, there is an unspoken code. It does means if you are in the in crowd you can pretty much  dress as you please and no one will take offense to whatever you do.  I/we prefer to be a part of the few on “The Narrow Path!”  Many do not respect the sacredness of worship anymore.

Nothing is sacred to some anymore

They are now trying to pass laws so that it’s okay if you have a gun license you can come to worship packing a gun. This is what life has come to in these “Latter Days.”  This further shows that you can prepare to expect just about anything. Just maybe this is also why we are having all these random shootings everywhere. Nothing is sacred to anyone!

Foreign countries overall uphold a better standard for worship than we do here in the United States. For example when we visited Vatican City in Rome we were told that in order to enter St. Peter’s Basilica the women needed to be covered properly and would not be able to enter unless they were properly attired! They maintain a standard that one must at least be presentable.  After all is not the Church the Bride of Christ! Ponder and think about that for a moment. Would you dress up if you were meeting the President?  No one not even their Pope is more important than GOD! ~

Ponder this for a moment. You are welcome to disagree. I know it’s because I am a child of the 50’s! Everyone wore a tie and dressed up for most occasions way back when. By the way I also wore gloves to the prom.   So, to me, there is nothing, no occasion, dance or prom or no one more important than God!    Therefore, we need to put our best self forward. Strive & thrive to “Be the Designer’s Original!” We do not dress to impress but to express!  For we really are all quite different.   God knows us all from the inside out! We are not fooling Him. At least we can honor Him in how we present ourselves for worship.   There is always an exception to the rule.   If you are homeless that’s different, if you are mentally ill that’s different, if you really do not have anything to wear that’s  also different too.

Yes, “Come as you are!” But;

“Come as you are!” Yes, but you will not “Stay as you are!”  The Word of God transforms us from the inside out. At some point you will begin to feel better about yourself and want to step it up a bit. Why is that? Believers are supposed to live each day as though the Lord was going to return. If Heaven is going to be your Eternal Home I suggest you begin here on earth getting prepared for Kingdom living!  Even if you still decide to wear jeans and a T shirt, let it be done neatly! & Please no matter what size you are I suggest; No really tight, tight dresses, No really low cut dresses or blouses and sweaters. And please definitely NO sagging pants or micro miniskirts.  It really becomes more of a distraction that anything.  These are not appropriate.  Well, I admit this is my opinion. You have a right to express and wear your opinion.   Someone is always going to misunderstand you no matter what…   

Think for a moment; Above all make sure that you would be comfortable in whatever you decide to wear expecting that our Lord was going to be there. Or come at any time!

“Your will be done Lord! Your Kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven.” Lord we are down here waiting on your return when everyone will see  you breaking through the sky!  Come Lord!

Where Does God Dwell?

GOD Dwells In The Hearts of HIS People!

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. We in America have a freedom that you just don’t find in the rest of the world. We have freedom of speech, freedom to vote, freedom to live and go where and when we please. But most importantly we have the freedom to worship. There are many types of worship services but there is only one true God. The only way to worship Him is in Spirit and Truth. On our many journeys throughout the world the LORD has allowed us to see many marvelous things. On them all the presence of the LORD has been apparent.

Journey to Athens Greece

On our trip to Athens Greece and Istanbul Turkey I was able to see some of the world’s most exquisite architecture. Turkey is a country that is 95% Moslem. In Turkey there is the renowned Hagia Sophia Cathedral. It was built for the Christian community to reflect the beauty that Solomon’s Temple once beheld. In spite of its elaborate intricate handiwork full of gold mosaic tiles, marble and brick walls, it is now a museum. Lord Help us!!!

What is so amazing Ephesus is one of the (7) seven churches the Apostle John wrote to in the Book of Revelation. He says: “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and has found them liars.  And hast borne, and hast patience; an for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first Love.   Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and REPENT, AND DO THE FIRST WORKS, OR ELSE I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY, AND REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK OUT OF THIS PLACE EXCEPT THOU REPENT!”   Revelation 2

How interesting that in the Book of Revelation the Apostle John sternly writes to the Church in Ephesus to tell them; “…thou has left thou first Love!” Keep in mind that during this 10th century persecution is also at an all time high. Take notice here. Yet despite all that the Church at Ephesus was doing  at this time John still adamantly tells the CHURCH TO REPENT!!!

Ephesus still contains various artifacts derived from Greek mythology and its continence is a shadow of it’s once intended purpose. This is also why REPENTANCE IS STILL SO IMPORTANT! Ironically across from it is the beautifully kept Sultanahmet mosque. Its known as the Blue mosque due to an extravagant array of blue mosaic tiles. Adorned with its intricate splendor and stately statueous marble columns and stained glass windows. It is scrupulously maintained and it is a place of worship for the Moslem community. Turkey is full of ornately designed mosques and Mohammed is whom they worship.

Where the SPIRIT of the LORD is there IS LIBERTY!

Words cannot express my gratitude to God for the things my eyes have beheld. The scriptures continuously came to my mind as I/we walked through the Hagia Sophia. “God does not dwell in a temple made by hand’s” In His time; “God is coming back for a CHURCH without spot or wrinkle.” “It is in HIM we live & move and have our being…” Acts 17 “Where the SPIRIT of the LORD is there is liberty…” When CHRIST JESUS returns; ” We will be caught up to meet HIM in the air…”  You cannot ever confine GOD & HIS majestic magnificent omnipresence to the confines of a structure made by human hands no matter how large.

Yes, we can worship the Lord within the walls… But it is clear that we can worship the Lord wherever we are inside or outside.  Christ Jesus preached prayed and taught from a boat, within houses, from the base of a mountain, in a garden, by a well, upon the roads, and numerous other venues. Standing behind a pulpit is not the only way to preach! It is your choice. Jesus nor His Apostles/Disciples built places of worship. Know that it is also your choice to build a place of worship, is not a requirement.  You can preach & proclaim to one, few or many… We have had the opportunity to teach, preach, proclaim, pray & worship in a plethora of places of worship throughout the world. There is nothing I enjoy more than a Spirt-filled Worship & Praise Service. But remember GOD’S CHURCH consists of HIS people from ALL over this world. We the people are HIS CHURCH! 

GOD LIVES IN the HEARTS of HIS PEOPLE

Hagia Sophie Istanbul Turkey

God lives within the hearts of HIS people that have accepted HIS SON JESUS CHRIST into their hearts as SAVIOR & LORD!!! Our bodies are the Temple of the Living God. We must ask continuously for the infilling presence of HIS HOLY SPIRIT! There is absolutely no doubt in my mind to the unmerited grace the Lord has bestowed upon all of us. Truly the Lord Is patient, loving & kind.  No one really has to tell GOD anything. For He knows absolutely everything about everyone and everything past, present & future.  GOD cannot ever be manipulated or fooled.

I have discovered that many really do not believe GOD is Omniscient. When you truly do you will be, live and think differently!  You will also reverentially fear GOD. Abba Heavenly Holy Father Thank You for setting us FREE!!!

I am forever thankful that we had a most interesting journey. The one thing the tour guide who was of Moslem decent (in Turkey along with our guide we were required to have a Turkish guide as well) said that stuck with me was; “Why would a powerful God allow His Temple to be turn into a museum?”  I would not let him undermine who GOD IS! I could not help but respond and say; GOD IS AWESOME! HE IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD! But know this; “GOD is not like man. HE does not live in a temple made by the hands of man…” GOD IS A SPIRIT!  The tour guide was surprised and speechless!

My point is and was God is so gracious and kind that He allows us so much freedom. He even gives us the freedom to choose who or what we want to worship and where. You can enjoy places and things without worshipping them.  God wants HIS true worshipers to Worship HIM everyday; “In SPIRIT & in TRUTH!” Whenever or wherever I lift up Holy Hands, to Him and Him only my heart is eternally grateful.  I will bow to none other. It is by His Grace and His Grace alone are we saved. We are not SAVED by our works or anything we do…

SALVATION IS A PRECIOUS GIFT FROM GOD! HOWEVER, EACH OF US MUST TRULY ACCEPT CHRIST JESUS INTO OUR HEARTS AS SAVIOR & LORD. KEEP IN MIND, JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN! PRAISE GOD FOR SALVATION & ETERNAL LIFE with HIM! GOD IS TRULY WORTHY of ALL THE GLORY, HONOR & PRAISE! ABOVE ALMIGHTY GOD there is no other. Our GOD IS OMNIPOTENT, OMNISCIENT & OMNIPRESENT!

Journey to Ephesus

In Turkey is the city of Ephesus. There are miles and miles of ruins. We were warned to not even take dirt or stones from the ground and cautioned about strict possible imprisonment penalties as well.  The area we visited had many restrictions. There right before us were original artifacts, columns, ruins etc. and remains to testify to the fact Ephesus existed. To this day approximately only 10% of it has been uncovered. It is still currently under excavation. Primitive hand tools are used in order to carefully preserve whatever archeological finds are uncovered. This was such a memorable experience to see and witness.

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians to the church at Ephesus. Just look at God! Despite the fact Turkey is a Moslem country Ephesus remains a monument to Christians of God’s eternal presence, grace and mercy.

Some of my most invigorating spiritual enlightening moments were spent in Athens Greece. Here I hold dear to heart many cherished memories. We together walked up the steep incline to the Acropolis saturated with aged columns made of marble. The Parthenon and majestic ruins were filled with slippery marble laden paths. The highlight was when I observed my husband humbly climb on his hands & knees up “Mars Hill!” The infamous hill that the Apostle Paul speaks about in the book of Acts. How interesting when we approached Mars Hill there was a woman preaching to a congregation out in the open, under the beautiful canopy of the blue skies. It was a beautiful sight.  We take the “CALL” upon our lives seriously. Once my Pastor/husband determined it was safe I too climbed up on my hands and knees to meet him and we together Worshiped, Praised & Thanked the Lord for ALL HE has done, for ALL HE is doing and for ALL WE KNOW THAT HE WILL DO!

The Book of Acts teaches us; “AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS SAITH GOD, I WILL  POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS: AND ON MY HANDMAIDENS I WILL POUR OUT IN THOSE DAYS OF MY SPIRIT; AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY:  AND I WILL SHOW WONDERS IN HEAVEN ABOVE, AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BENEATH, BLOOD, AND FIRE, VAPOR AND SMOKE…”ACTS 2 

Journey to “MARS HILL!”

Paul spoke concerning an altar with an inscription representing the unknown god on Mars Hill. That unknown God happens to be the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob I love, worship and adore.  For HE is the Father of us as well.  He is the only true and living God. He is truly the Great “I AM!” The Lord is Jehovah Raah meaning; My Shepherd! Mars Hill today is in a magnificent open place. High above Athens Greece for all to see. (I will forever cherish what it felt like sitting there and praising God for all He has done!!!)

I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL! Mars Hills grand walls and canopy are the very blue firmament that God Himself spoke into existence through His Living Word. That Word is Jesus Christ wrapped in pure sinless flesh.  Who sacrificed His life for the sins of the entire world!!!

We are quite thankful for all the places the Lord has allowed us to go and ” Live Out Loud the Gospel.”  To preach, proclaim, teach and share the Gospel and readily give an answer for the hope that lies within us…  Christianity is truly supposed to be an everyday lifestyle.  When you really believe that God is real and that He is Omnipresent you will live and think differently.   You learn to live daily for; ” An Audience of One. “

It is amazing to see since our visit all the things that have come upon Greece as well as the world at large. We all had such an absolutely marvelous time. One would never have imagined that such a pleasant, warm, robust inviting place could later on suffer and experience such a terrible decline. We should never take for granted the freedom we have here in America. Lord Help them… I am thankful that America has been founded upon Christian Principles. I also pray that America again embraces those principles more and more… For this world is on a “slippery slope.” May we not take that for granted… Yes Lord please; “God Bless America” as well as to become steadfast in the faith.

HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON…

The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church of God. Glory! Glory! Halllelllujah! HIS TRUTH is marching on!!!

“The earth truly is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof the world and them that dwell therein. He has founded it upon the seas…” Psalm 24.  There is not a place that can be built that can contain the fullness of God’s majestic awesomeness.  Nor can anyone manipulate, buy or pay their way into Heaven… HEAVEN IS GOD’S THRONE! The earth is HIS mere footstool.  HE IS LORD OVER EVERYTHING! The early church had no buildings they met in houses. They also taught in the existing places of worship. We have dedicated our home to be a place where God’s way prevails. It is important to keep God as the Center of your marriage, family and life. The heart of each of His Children is where His true Church abides.

There is nothing wrong with a church made by hands.  I am thankful that we both were raised up going to worship every Sunday not out of habit but by choice.   We both accepted Christ into our hearts as children and have been forever growing in His grace.  I was taught by a wise Mother who truly loved the Lord and was committed to the Service of the Lord.  My Father was raised by a Rev. Lady.  I thank the Lord for a “Solid Rock” foundation in Him. My Mother taught me early to  know that as long as we are on this side of Heaven we are “Forever Becoming…” God places us in the Body as He chooses. We arrive when God Calls us home to our final destination.  Or if we are here when Christ Jesus comes back for His Church; “we will be caught up to meet Him in the air.”

CHRISTIANITY  is a Daily Lifestyle to be lived unto GOD!

However, the focal point of the Church should not be a hierarchy laden with cliques, clichés, how do we pay our bills programs and solemn auxiliaries or programs; a mere shadow of what God originally intended.  God will always provide for His Church. Whenever, however and wherever we as True Worshippers are to; “Worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth!”  We are committed to the “Call” the Lord has upon our lives as His, Elder/Minister and Ambassadors.  It is written;  “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them,”  Matthew 18. It is so very important to know GOD and HIS WORD for yourself. There is only One Worldwide International Christian Church in the eyes of the Lord.  And it is made up of all colors, cultures and nations from all over the world… 

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.”  No need to compete with others.  For God has a place for us in the Body of Christ. We should praise Him in music, song, WORD and deeds. No, we are not saved by works. But our works do display our faith. We are SAVED by HIS MARVELOUS GRACE! Our main focus should be to cultivate an environment where God receives the preeminence in everything. There is much freedom in Christ.  Whenever or wherever we genuinely worship & Praise the Lord we should leave with a desire to want to grow even closer to HIM!

Christianity is supposed to be our daily lifestyle. We as believers can continue to grow in His Grace, Wisdom & Knowledge as we embrace and implement His principles within our lives until the day He calls us home. Then we get to live with Him through Eternity! Halllelllujah Amen! It is God’s Word and His power that will draw men, women, boys and girls from all cultures, creeds and colors worldwide. His Holy Spirit can and will change their lives when we sincerely spread this Awesome Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether it be within the many Places of Worship, via TV, radio, internet; on Face Book, Instagram, Twitter or in song, Word or deeds. As well as in person, taught, proclaimed or preached inclusively by the Gospel Message in the Spoken Word.

GOD dwells in the hearts & souls of HIS people WE HIS CHURCH! THANK YOU LORD! WE DAILY RISE TO BLESS & PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME! YES INDEED! “THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!!!”

Everyday we are to live; “TO GOD BE THE GLORY!”