Without Spot or Wrinkle

Good morning, my friend!  Good morning, Father!  

“I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to Christ to present you as a pure bride to her one husband.” - 2 Corinthians 11:2 RSV

Father, it is coming up on wedding season.  Brides and grooms are preparing for their wedding day.  They are making plans and preparing their spirits, souls and bodies for the joining of two lives and families.  They look toward they day with eager anticipation - the day their beloved becomes completely their own.  

Father, we are the bride of Christ.  Jesus, Your only begotten Son, the Lamb of God, is our bridegroom.  We look forward to the day we will become one with Him.  In the waiting, I can’t help but wonder but if we have grown slack in our preparation.  Has the intensity of longing and fervor to see “that day” grown cold with the passage of time?  Your Word says that no one knows the day or hour, not even Jesus.  Only You know (Matt 24:36).  Since Jesus was taken up into the clouds (Acts 1:9), He has been preparing a place for us to be with Him eternally.  Not a day has passed that His love and attention did not keep us in His tender affection and the efforts of the master carpenter focused on preparing a perfect place for His beloved.  Even now, He joyfully awaits the day and His eyes search the face of the Father for a sign that the day is nearing.

Father, I lift my dear friend.  We ask You to renew the passion for You that they had at first.  Rekindle the flame for their first love.  Reveal to them where their wedding attire has become torn and dirty from indiscretion in where they have walked.  Shine Your light on the love affairs of the heart they have allowed with the things of this world and the ungodly pursuits and habits that have gained their poorly-placed affection.  Gift them with a repentant heart that shuns other lovers and holds fast to the purity of their commitment.  Wash them clean, by the Blood of the Lamb, and cover them in the robe of His righteousness.  Help them to ready themselves for His glorious appearing.  And on “that day” when the sky parts and they see Him in full splendor, descending from the clouds, may they stand unashamed, overflowing with joy, ready and without spot or wrinkle (Eph 5:27).  Father, only You know the day and the hour, but they long for that day and the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!”  In Jesus Name ❤️

Dear friend, have you grown weary in the waiting?  Would you be unprepared were the bridegroom to come for you today?  Ask the Father to help you to return to your first love, refresh your devotion and renew your commitment. 💡

If you have been encouraged or challenged, please repost!
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