Dressing up for Prom and dressing down for Worship Part 1

Dressing up for Prom and dressing down for Worship! 

Part 1

This 21st century is becoming progressively more interesting in a very bizarre manner. We are living in a time when just about anything goes! We can go almost anywhere and expect to see some of everything. You can see multiple piercings on the ears, lips, forehead, eyebrows, cheeks, neck, and head or just about anywhere on the body. Let’s not even discuss the places that we don’t see.

Oh my! It makes you wonder why so many want to inflict themselves with so much pain…

 

Glitter and glam

You can see glitter glam clothes or faces. Pink, royal blue, purple, burgundy, yellow and even green bold hair colors on both male and females. It has become acceptable for many to even walk around with their pants sagging below the buttocks! You can go to the shopping mall and see many clad in pajamas and slippers and guess what they are just out shopping; so what does it matter?  Let’s not forget the jeans with holes in them.  The old shorter than short “Daisy Duke” jean shorts are even trying to make their way to the forefront. WOW!

I know everyone wants to be comfortable or they just want to as the ole song says “Express Yourself!” So it has become socially tolerable to just dress down whenever or wherever. After all we are not hurting anyone.

But what does this all say? No matter why our youth are so confused. Too many mixed messages.

Think about this for a moment or two!

Who gets the right to determine what is right? If so what are the guidelines?

 

Your most important occassion

What is the most important event or occasion that you will attend? Is it a wedding, red carpet affair, birthday party, concert, funeral, job interview or perhaps a prom? How do you dress for the occasion? If it is a wedding, you probably want to wear your best? Or maybe not? Why is that; because it has become acceptable to dress just any kind of way; right?

Well, what about going to worship? You should just “come as you are.” If you have not been a part of God’s Church it is understandable. But if you have been a part of the Church for a while you might want to ask yourself; to whom or where do you present your best other than at worship?

 

GOD’S CHURCH is the BRIDE of CHRIST

Did you know that the Church is the Bride of Christ? We the people are His Church. The Church has begun to blend right in with the world.

It is becoming harder and harder to distinguish the difference unless it is a special occasion. But should not every time we come together  for worship be a special occasion?

It’s okay if you wear a suit and tie or business casual pantsuit, dress or blouse and slacks to the office if you are a manager or a CEO or CIO! But if I want to wear flip flops and cut offs it should not matter especially since I still get my work done. I just want to be comfortable and I don’t want to wait until casual Friday. What happened to the basic dress code? It really does matter how you present yourself!

Hmm I guess God is not interested in how we dress? “Therefore, I urge you, brothers/sisters in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12. What does this have to do with how I am dressed? A lot!

 

It’s clear here that we are not supposed to conform to the ways of the world. Notice how The Church has begun to pattern its dress after the standards of the world. This has even filtered over into going to worship. I guess we should really just want to hang out and sip a cup of coffee, pass the popcorn, eat doughnuts and be comfortable here too? I hope you are getting my point?

 

Perhaps this is why so many more are comfortable in sinful lifestyles. God is Love! A part of love is correction. Therefore we need to have more compassion right? Compassion for Christ Jesus who gave His life for us should be expressed as well as for others. What is so interesting during our travel journeys we have been in countries where they would not let certain people enter into the Sanctuary if you did not have on proper attire. There was an attendant at the door to determine if you were presentable.  It was not personal, their compassion was because of their respect for the Lord.  They simply had a standard they wanted to uphold.

 

There is nothing wrong with freedom of expression. But what is proper and improper and who determines when or where? Does it matter that I go to worship looking like I’m on my way to the beach? Or if I look like I just woke up and threw on my most comfortable outfit? Or perhaps I was going to mow the lawn and decided to come to worship first. Or just perhaps I am going bowling after service and don’t want to make a change? Or perhaps I want to dress like I am going  to a  dance recital and wear a tutu? 

 

Dressing to go to worship

But it’s okay to wear a suit and tie or robe sometimes if you are a pastor, minister, priest, bishop, elder or part of the praise team. Well maybe not because since its “March Madness” everyone can just come in their football jerseys or tee-shirts representing their favorite team. By the way ladies it’s okay to just pull on a pair of leggings because the jersey’s are as long as some of the dresses and tops you wear? It does not really matter how tight your dress is if you are small, medium,  large or extra large…  I know you are exercising your freedom but what message are you seding? Oh my! I have just stepped on some toes! What’s wrong with wearing jerseys or tee-shirts?

What’s wrong with wearing your best?

Hmmm tell me when did going to worship have anything to do with your favorite football or basketball team? I am all for team JESUS!!!  But  do not penalize me because I do not wear jerseys or T-shirts. Hmmm watch what happens if I show up in casual dress when everyone else is dressed up for a special occasion or program? Let’s see who is now exercising; “form and fashion?”  Be prepared to get frowns from;  the what you should be wearing today committee.  Well I’m not looking for approval. Nor am I looking to be seen. Therefore I am going to be led by the Spirit and  dress depending on what season it is and what’s the weather like.  Or dress how I deem is appropriate for the occasion.  I know I am just too ole fashion or just plain judgmental? Maybe so!

 

The point is you  need to be aware of who or what  you are following and why?

 

Worship is supposed to be about GOD! Worship is supposed to be about us being thankful and grateful that CHRIST JESUS died on the cross for us! He overcame sin in the flesh, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, was then buried in a tomb and arose from the dead with all power and authority! What an awesome miracle of all Miracles! We are to give HIM  the GLORY! What is so casual about that?

 

It’s okay to pray at the altar and ask for healing, restoration and or some of your physical, emotional, mental or material needs. But before you go to pray for someone  don’t snicker and talk  all throughout  worship  and laugh and look me up and down  and think I am going to take you seriously…   But the moment altar call happens you flip the script.  You now become a prayer warrior, missionary… This is not a game, nor is it a role to play.  Its  okay to  sit in your  seat  or to kneel, stand and pray  if you  prefer. It is also okay to shout, scream, laugh with joy and thankfulness, run around or do whatever? Please make sure you are sincere. “God is not the Author of confusion.” 

 

Worship  is not “Showtime!”  What’s so interesting a young lad visiting sat up front next to us one  Sunday and he actually asked? “When does the show start?

 

“GOD is not the Author of Confusion”

The  point is the Lord always deserves our respect. We are to give Him honor. Not just say we give Him honor.   It is the posture of our hearts that GOD is looking at… GOD can and will supply in HIS time whatever is in HIS Will for us. But prayer and worship really should not be about always asking God for something all the time. Nor about always asking the people to give money to GOD? When you leave you should know more about the Lord and His Word than the people. Worship should be more about GOD and us thanking HIM for allowing us to live on HIS earth and… Worship is actually devotional time set aside to praise and adore the Lord; for all that He has done, is doing and will do! God deserves the PREEMINENCE!

 

Now how should we present ourselves? Look to the Lord and let Him direct you and not to the masses. I know we ought to be comfortable. We want to make everyone else comfortable too. We don’t want anyone to feel like they are being judged or unworthy, or that we are looking down on them? The truth is we all are unworthy.  The truth is when you are truly looking up to God  you won’t feel like you are being looked down upon. 

 

Christ Jesus gave His best which was His holy sanctified sinless life!  HE is the KING of King and the LORD of Lords!  He sacrificed His precious  life on the cross for us all and at least we should make and attempt to put our best foot forward. Not for show but to express He is our best! Above Him is nothing, no thing, no place  or no one! He has imputed His righteousness to us who believe.  

 

Know GOD and HIS WORD for yourself! 

 

Do you know the women even went to the tomb to prepare Christ’s body to see the Father. Well guess what? Know GOD sees and knows absolutely everything. He knows what our priorities are. GOD IS A HOLY GOD! TRUE WORSHIP REALLY IS TO BE ALL ABOUT GOD!!!

HIS BLOOD  has  precious priceless cleansing POWER!  Praise GOD: “I have been redeemed!” 

Dress like you have been redeemed. What if Jesus returned today? Would you want to run home and change?

What if I do not have anything to wear?  No problem. God knows! Well what did you wear to that dance you went to, or to that wedding, or the ballet, or that sorority or fraternity dinner, to that job interview or to the prom or any other dress up event? Right; that’s different. Think about this for a moment. But you want to “dress down” when you come to worship God!

 

 

Consecrate yourself inside and outside for worship

Ponder on this for a moment;

The Old Testament gives us a vivid description of the Temple and the clothing that the priest were adorned in. It is clear that they put their best foot forward. They prepared themselves and consecrated themselves for worship.  Many went through purification rituals in order to prepare for worship.  Don’t wait until you are at worship to pray. Pray before during and after worship. Leviticus has a plethora of laws, guidelines  and regulations that had to be adhered to prior to worship. We are not under the law but we need to exercise more discipline.

 

There has been a gradual shifting down of the dress code as well as the moral behavior… No wonder sin is abounding and “anything goes!” Just perhaps all this dressing down has put the Church in such a relaxed mode that it’s made many feel that there is no need to change because we are to just “come as you are!” Yes indeed come as you are! But you  are not to stay as you are! God is all about transforming our lives from the inside out!

See Part 2

Marriage: A Covenant Agreement

Our Marriage

Marriage is one of the greatest relationship commitments that a man and a woman can have. It is an agreement to Love, Honor, Trust and Respect your spouse for life! Marriage is also a covenant agreement not only between a man and a woman but it is an agreement with God. You both together pledge and make vows that should always be honored within your marriage…

 

Your Wedding Vows

If you are already married reflect back for a moment on your Wedding Vows. What did you pledge to one another? Those vows are so much more than words. So if you have not married and are planning on getting married really think about what you are agreeing or pledging to do! If you have been married before really think things through because you have been here before! You are entering into a contract not only of the letter but of the heart as well as legally.

 

Marriage & Divorce

If you are not married get wise counsel before you enter into marriage. In this 21st century more than 55% of marriages are ending in divorce. This should not be. Many enter into marriage not really intending to keep their vows. There are also many who are ignorant of what it really is all about … Too often there are many emotional issues that have not been properly addressed and they eventually begin to weigh the marriage down.

 

Marriage has its mountaintops as well as valley experiences.  However, working togetther you can together make you vally experiences short and few.  It is important to know no matter how much you know about your fiancé there is so much more to learn. Marriage is a place where both spouses can grow as individuals as well as together. You want to make sure that you are willing to go through the valley with your spouse as well as share in the Joys & Celebrations. Know this or at least discuss it before you are married!

 

building a Strong Foundation Together

Your marriage is or will be as strong as the foundation that you build it upon. God is the Creator of marriage. “But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD GOD cause the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he as sleeping, He took one of the man’s rib and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord mad a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man.” Genesis 2.

This is such a beautiful passage of Scripture.  It merits  some serious, loving thought provoking  discussion between you two. The man and woman was a precious gift from God to one another.

 

Adam no longer had to be alone without a companion. Listen closely to what he says: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman.’ For she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and be united with his wife, and they shall become one flesh. The man and the woman where naked, and they felt no shame.” Genesis 2. This is also why it is so important to keep God and His principles as the center of your marriage!

 

Nurture your marriage

If you are already married make it a point to rekindle the passion and dedication that was apparent when you first came together. If you have allowed time, things and people to allow you to drift apart renew your commitment to one another. You can’t change what has happened but you can build a better future right now. What if we are not on the same page? Then it is time to have a serious discussion and make some plans for your path forward!

 

Life is precious and you can’t get time back. So you really do not want to spend the majority of the time being uncertain and unhappy! You cannot change your spouse but you can have an intervention and confront what has or has not been happening! Remember speak the TRUTH in Love!

 

If you have kept your commitment and your marriage is flourishing then help, support and mentor other couples along the way. Those who are married or desire to marry encourage them to keep their marriage vows they have made or will make to one another.  Life often takes on many twists and turns and will at times present some adversity. Let them know some of the joys and sometimes sorrows of marriage. How together they can celebrate the mountaintop experiences of life and build an ongoing loving, growing, principled, faithful, respectful and honorable marriage.

 

 

Yes there still be some rain and there will be some tears. But there is nothing like a good rain to make you enjoy the  beautiful sunshine! With the rain comes much growth.  A good marriage brings much contentment and fulfillment. So get busy! Showers of Blessings from above awaits you in many marvelous  This is why it is so very important to know that marriage truly is a covenant agreement.  Rememer to embrace and cherish your vows.  If you have not  revisit them. So keep God as the Center of your marriage. 
.

 

Food For Thought “Before” and “After” You Say I DO!

Food for thought “Before” and “After” you say I DO.

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“The Bride/The Church” – Premarital Conflict

The Bride

The Church is currently experiencing premarital conflict! The Lamb of the marriage supper is being overlooked. A few of the invited guests are parading themselves as the Groom. The fruits of the flesh are attempting to join the banquet. The bride should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white. The fine linen is the righteousness of the saints according to the Book of Revelations. The Church is the bride of Christ. Jesus will return for His Church of this we can be assured. But how close to being ready are we? Collectively as well as independently? The signs of the time are quite apparent. We are encountering a multiplicity of phenomenal events. Earthquakes in divers places, heinous crimes, escalating multiple shooting incidents in schools, places of worship, same sex relationships, blatant adultery, questionable political elections but what does it all mean? Time is winding down.

In earlier times a marriage betrothal represented a respected covenant. A covenant is something you keep not something you merely repeat. The Church’s responsibility has not changed in spite of what’s going on. The Bride should be in preparation for a wedding celebration. Everyday should be lived in anticipation of our Lord’s arrival.

God has placed His heirs in various places to prepare for this great event. Man can not number the guest list. It is so vast and contains such an array of guests that He has elected an international, interracial, multi cultural, conglomeration of folks. Their level of responsibilities differ greatly. Yet the overall objective should not take any attention away from this glorious blessed event. Peter tells us “but you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to GOD, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” I Peter 2: 9-12 NIV. How prepared are you for His coming?

Preparing for a wedding involves much joy as well as fear and trepidation. But we can be assured that this wedding is in the will of God. The bridesmaids and groomsmen should not become confused. Their objective should be to assist in fostering a healthy spiritual environment for the ultimate feast. The instructions to prepare for this event have been given to us by GOD. He has even left His Holy Spirit to guide us and direct us to all truth. The truth is the bridal path. The CHURCH has only one Groom. No one can take the place of Jesus.

The participants of the bridal party have the obligation to come together. Not to distinguish who has more authority, but to work towards an effective Spirit-filled occasion. There are so many details involved that no one should worry about the significance of their participation. Staying focused will really help everyone from getting off track. Just remember we are all invited. Those who RSVP and plan on attending have one requirement – YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN!

The mind of Christ dwells in the hearts of each of His children. When we begin each day living in His presence we will not become sidetracked so easily. God has at His disposal everything we might possibly need. He knows what, when and who we need to fulfill our duties. Man does not live by bread alone but by what? THE WORD OF GOD.

Our Sunday, daily, weekly, monthly and annual rehearsal celebrations should consist of a delicacy of sacrifices of praise and spiritual food. The Holy Spirit stands invisibly positioned to confirm the Groom’s approval. We must truly desire to worship and respect God with our worship. To effectively do this, we must not allow personal agendas to permeate the worship. Praise is not always jumping up and down and running around. It is a combination of still quiet moments as well as hand clapping, dancing, shouting and praying without ceasing. The true worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Rebuke the things you know are not of God! Absolutely no junk food allowed! The main entrée is His Word whether it be in praise, song, sign language or the spoken word. The one thing we must keep in mind is WHO THE BRIDE BELONGS TO!

It is interesting to see how so many seem to think that their place of worship is the best place to be. You cannot limit God to your local place of worship. It is not always about being where you necessarily want to be. Sometimes He has you there to show a contrast. Jesus nor His disciples were not always welcomed where they were. For however long or short season He may have us in a particular place our focus must be upon Him. Don’t try to limit God to where you are. His world is vast. He is omnipresent! Your body is the temple where the Lord resides. Everywhere you are He is there.

Ask yourself if you’re ready for Him to return today? Have you been preparing? Is He abiding in your heart? Is He really welcomed in your home? Do you really worship Him in Spirit and in truth? Are you where He wants you to be or are you where you want to be? It is God’s will that is the desired avenue to the bridal path.

“Now as the church submits to Christ so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself. As a radiant church without stain or wrinkle or any blemish but holy and blameless. In this way should husbands love their wives as their own body…” Ephesians 5:22-28 NIV. Have you truly submitted to His will in your life?

We must get our lives in order. God is a God of order. He does have a plan for each of His children. We are to live out the principles in the scriptures and make them the blueprint for our lives. When two or three are gathered together in one accord IN HIS NAME God has promised to be in the midst. Jesus has already been lifted up on the cross. His Word will draw all of the bridal participants. He has made the ultimate sacrifice for us. He has redeemed us by His precious blood! BLESS HIS HOLY NAME! Know and Trust and never doubt that you are SAVED by HIS GRACE and Heaven is your Eternal destination. We must relinquish control of His Bride to the Holy Spirit! CHRIST is coming back for HIS CHURCH. A Church without spot or wrinkle. Get ready! LIVE EVERYDAY “To God Be The Glory!” COME LORD!

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Tags: bride, bride of Christ, bridegroom, Church, church without a spot or wrinkle, conflict, groom, guests, Heaven, Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, marriage, premarital, rapture, redeemed, revelation, saved, second coming, wedding, wedding feast