I've come to believe that some people are facebook, blogger, twitter, e-mail kind of people and some are not. And I think maybe I'm not. I want to be. I recognize the tremendous value of networking, sharing and encouraging each other, even when it's not face to face. After all, I've written books haven't I? I see the value, I recognize the need. All I can say is that I'm sorry I've allowed the cares and concerns of family and church overwhelm me to the point I've totally forsaken my friends in "syber space". You can catch my articles on my Heart to Heart website, http://www.h2hworldwide.com/. or some sermons on our church website, http://www.clctoday.org/. You can order the book I've written, "Out of the Septic Tank" from my website, http://www.chrismcquay.com/. But I promise to do better on this blog, I promise. Really I do. I don't want to make excuses, but there has been a lot going on, some good, some stressful and some painful. There's even been some fun stuff, like preparing for my daughter's wedding. My daughter Jen is getting married to a minister in Uganda this fall, and will living in Uganda as a missionary. I'll share more about her ministry in future blogs, but today I'm thinking about wedding plans, and wedding dresses in particular. Your 
dress...
dress...“Glorious Garment”
Picture…I saw God in all of his glory. I can’t describe how beautiful his garments were, because He shown with such brilliance I couldn’t make out the details. I wish I could have taken you there because I can’t describe it. But what I can tell you is that it looked like he was holding some kind of material in his arms. I was in such awe that it took a couple of moments to speak. When I found my voice the first thing I said was, “Lord what’s that?” (Indicating the material in his arms.)
Hear…the Lord say, “It’s your garment.” As he held it up by the shoulders away from His glory so that I could get a better look at it, I gasped in amazement. I couldn’t believe it; it was so beautiful. The material seemed to flow like it was water, and it shimmered and shined with every movement. I recognized God’s glory in the glow of the garment. There was exquisite embroidery work nearly on inch of the garment and in the embroidery were worked precious stones of every description. There was more delicate detail work sewn in it than on any material or gown I had ever seen. I cried, “Lord it’s just so beautiful. Beautiful doesn’t even describe it. It’s beautiful beyond description.” Then the Lord told me that it was not yet finished, but that He had wanted to show it to me. “When it is done, you will wear it at our wedding feast.” Then the Lord brought Isaiah 61:10 to my remembrance.
I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. (NLT)
I asked in wonder, “Lord, you’re making this for me?” He surprised me when He said, “No, it’s a joint process. It is my righteousness but you are the one who is adding the detail work.” Then he reminded me of Isaiah 54:11-13.
O you afflicted one, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the LORD, And great shall be the peace of your
children. (NKJV)
The Lord continued to speak, “Every time you are afflicted; every time you experience hurt, disappointment, and/or frustration, your proper response to me is what allows me to put more stones and precious gems in your garment and in your crown. Every time you react to negative circumstances by turning them over to me, I add more gems. Every time you surrender your pain and distress over to me you are laying precious handiwork on that garment. So you see we are making this together. Someday you will stand by my side as my bride.”
Consider: The glory of the Lord will be so great in that we finally get to see him face to face, I just can’t describe it. John tried to describe it in Rev. 19:11-16.
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (NIV)
His gown will be so white, so luminous. But what we might not have considered is that the gowns that he is preparing for his bride, no, the gowns we are preparing together, will be no less incandescent. They are going to be white as snow. The garment will not fade. And that day we will reflect his glory. When someone sees us, they will be seeing HIM. Our glorious Lord loves you. He has a garment that He is preparing with your help. Every time you respond to adversity with His words, mindset, and attitude, the more you are being made into His likeness and the more you reflect His glory. But I’m not just referencing the robes that we shall wear one day when we are able to sit with Him in the Heavenlies, but also here on earth. The more you respond to the ugly with the beautiful the more people will see Jesus shining through you.
Pray: “Lord, I am so looking forward to that day when I get to spend forever with you in Heaven. But to be honest, I’m really looking forward to the “no tears” policy more than the beautiful garment that we are making. I guess that is why I sometimes forget how important my response is to things that are painful and difficult. It’s not just about me. It is about you. It is about all those who will cross my path. I do want them to see your light shining through me. I want it to be said that when they see me, that they can see you too. It was in Antioch that believers so reflected your glory that they started calling them Christians. I want to be called a Christian for more than my church affiliation. I want to be called a Christian because people see you in me. Help me to respond to everything that happens to me today the way that you would, so that your glory can shine through me. I love you and I want to make a difference for you in this world. But I need to remember that it is more about who we are, than what we do. Thank you for reminding me. I needed that. And, oh, yes, thank you for showing me the garment. It reminds me that there is more at stake here than the 70 years we walk on this earth. I can’t wait to try it on. I love you. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
Picture…I saw God in all of his glory. I can’t describe how beautiful his garments were, because He shown with such brilliance I couldn’t make out the details. I wish I could have taken you there because I can’t describe it. But what I can tell you is that it looked like he was holding some kind of material in his arms. I was in such awe that it took a couple of moments to speak. When I found my voice the first thing I said was, “Lord what’s that?” (Indicating the material in his arms.)
Hear…the Lord say, “It’s your garment.” As he held it up by the shoulders away from His glory so that I could get a better look at it, I gasped in amazement. I couldn’t believe it; it was so beautiful. The material seemed to flow like it was water, and it shimmered and shined with every movement. I recognized God’s glory in the glow of the garment. There was exquisite embroidery work nearly on inch of the garment and in the embroidery were worked precious stones of every description. There was more delicate detail work sewn in it than on any material or gown I had ever seen. I cried, “Lord it’s just so beautiful. Beautiful doesn’t even describe it. It’s beautiful beyond description.” Then the Lord told me that it was not yet finished, but that He had wanted to show it to me. “When it is done, you will wear it at our wedding feast.” Then the Lord brought Isaiah 61:10 to my remembrance.
I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. (NLT)
I asked in wonder, “Lord, you’re making this for me?” He surprised me when He said, “No, it’s a joint process. It is my righteousness but you are the one who is adding the detail work.” Then he reminded me of Isaiah 54:11-13.
O you afflicted one, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the LORD, And great shall be the peace of your
children. (NKJV)
The Lord continued to speak, “Every time you are afflicted; every time you experience hurt, disappointment, and/or frustration, your proper response to me is what allows me to put more stones and precious gems in your garment and in your crown. Every time you react to negative circumstances by turning them over to me, I add more gems. Every time you surrender your pain and distress over to me you are laying precious handiwork on that garment. So you see we are making this together. Someday you will stand by my side as my bride.”
Consider: The glory of the Lord will be so great in that we finally get to see him face to face, I just can’t describe it. John tried to describe it in Rev. 19:11-16.
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (NIV)
His gown will be so white, so luminous. But what we might not have considered is that the gowns that he is preparing for his bride, no, the gowns we are preparing together, will be no less incandescent. They are going to be white as snow. The garment will not fade. And that day we will reflect his glory. When someone sees us, they will be seeing HIM. Our glorious Lord loves you. He has a garment that He is preparing with your help. Every time you respond to adversity with His words, mindset, and attitude, the more you are being made into His likeness and the more you reflect His glory. But I’m not just referencing the robes that we shall wear one day when we are able to sit with Him in the Heavenlies, but also here on earth. The more you respond to the ugly with the beautiful the more people will see Jesus shining through you.
Pray: “Lord, I am so looking forward to that day when I get to spend forever with you in Heaven. But to be honest, I’m really looking forward to the “no tears” policy more than the beautiful garment that we are making. I guess that is why I sometimes forget how important my response is to things that are painful and difficult. It’s not just about me. It is about you. It is about all those who will cross my path. I do want them to see your light shining through me. I want it to be said that when they see me, that they can see you too. It was in Antioch that believers so reflected your glory that they started calling them Christians. I want to be called a Christian for more than my church affiliation. I want to be called a Christian because people see you in me. Help me to respond to everything that happens to me today the way that you would, so that your glory can shine through me. I love you and I want to make a difference for you in this world. But I need to remember that it is more about who we are, than what we do. Thank you for reminding me. I needed that. And, oh, yes, thank you for showing me the garment. It reminds me that there is more at stake here than the 70 years we walk on this earth. I can’t wait to try it on. I love you. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
posted by pastorc @ 10:36 AM
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