The Powerful Bride of Christ
We as Christians all have different gifts, destiny and passion. I have a heart for souls, of course as we all should, but my calling and passion is to empower the Bride of Christ. Christ calls us, the church, His Bride. When I see Her as she was called to be, I see a powerful Bride, adorned in a beautiful white gown of holiness and purity. She is standing strong equipped with a sword prepared to fight for the Kingdom and what's been given to her. She is a fearless warrior prepared for battle! She carries upon herself the ammunition of the Word that no enemy can withstand! Yes, she's full of compassion and love, but don't confuse that with weakness. There is no weakness found in her, for she knows who she is in Christ and what she means to Him. She is full of wisdom and will not fall for the schemes and traps of the enemy. She stays 1 step ahead of him, she is on the offense not the defense. She passionately pursues her Bride Groom and all decisions are based on His desires, not her own. She marches in unison in a powerful army, not criticizing or demeaning the other members, but they encourage and help empower each other, no one left behind!
Unfortunately, that's not what I see when I look at the current condition of the church or in the lives of individual Christians. What I do see is a bride on spiritual welfare, living way below her means. She's been beat up, depressed and frightened. Criticized and kicked by other soldiers, left weak, broken and bleeding. She no longer feels worthy of the relationship Christ desires to have with her nor does she see her beauty and strength. It's been hidden behind a torn, filthy gown and she's covered with bruises and bumps.
My heart is to see YOU become what you've been called to be. The price has been paid, Jesus loves you, it's not too late! Repent of your sins and your current distance from Christ, then commit to spend daily time with Him in prayer, worship and reading your Bible. Just take one step at a time toward His private chamber's and watch as your relationship is rekindled and your strength is restored!!
James 4:8-10 (MSG) So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch Him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
Revelation 19:7-8 (NKJV) "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.
2 Timothy 2:3-5 (NKJV) You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
This is what a mighty army looks like:
Joel 2:7-9 (NKJV) They run like mighty men, they climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, and they do not break ranks. They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column.Though they lunge between the weapons, they are not cut down.
