Confessions of the Dress

Isaiah 61:10

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

I'm so glad that the Lord has saved me and clothed me in His Righteousness.

The Bible says, "all my righteous acts are like filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6)  I can barely select a dress to wear nevertheless clothe myself in righteousness.

101 Dresses it what my sister called me.  In my shopping adventure for a recent "Gala" event; early on I purchased a dress.  The local store did not have my color so I ordered it on line.  The dress arrived; yes, I finally got the dress.  I'm done. Right?

I'd like to say that was true.  I normally don't wear dresses but felt some pressure to conform to the evening attire requirement; after all this is a Gala and everyone will be at their best! This was a call for ladies in gowns!

This dress "drama" almost consumed me.  It almost became an idol to me. 

Life teaches me lessons and the Holy Spirit speaks to me. 

Toward the end of this dress ordeal; after shopping the whole wide world (www) I ended up returning every dress I purchased.  I purchased a short dress, a long dress; they were black, purple, "A" line, straight line, long sleeves, short sleeves...I mean it was ridiculous!

I'm only confessing this to demonstrate how silly we can be and how something as simple as a dress can consume us to the point of just crazy-dumb!

Along my adventure I discussed this with my husband, my son and especially my sister who had already affirmed that the original dress was perfect.

A few days before the Gala I heard the Spirit of the Lord whisper to  me, "You are attempting for perfection, but you will not attain it".  What??

He reminded me through this crazy adventure that when he died on the cross it was because I was flawed.  Sinned had ravished my life and I was tainted. What?  I only want a dress.

He reminded me that I am always dressed in royalty fashion; wow much better.  He has clothed me in His Righteousness.  His covering keeps me ready for his coming, when the King will arrive to take His Bride home.


YES, that will indeed be an extraordinary celebration.

There is nothing wrong with wanting too look your best, but if it consumes us than we have crossed the line. 

He said I am beautiful from the inside out.  No outside ornament or dress can replace what he has already done.  Glory to God!

So, I embraced my original black dress.

I remembered my original covering from the Lord.

Back  to my senses! 

BTW, the dress was not so bad.  If my husband said it looked good, that's all that mattered!

If my God tells me I am beautiful and made perfect in his sight...that's all that matters! 

I am dressed in His Righteousness!

God bless you!~Liz
www.lizrod.com
#lizrod

Identified with Christ

 “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” (Song of Songs 6:3a)


Social Media has a lot to say; a public forum that speaks via friends, strangers and even enemies.

Would you agree? 

This platform that allows the whole world to speak into our lives and often tries to define us is growing like wild fire.

I’m not against Facebook or LinkedIn, after all I am part of their population. 

The question that’s on my mind is; if God had an account on me (which he does), what would it say?  How many “likes” would he post on my account?  I’m not speaking about literal comments we post on Social Media but about our REAL lives!

Do we read the Bible as he encourages us?  Do we habitually forsake gathering with the saints?  Are our hearts rendered to Him in worship, causing us to be broken and in awe of his Majesty or is it just another song? Is forgiveness part of who we are, even when it’s difficult?  Will our children view our lives as a legacy they want to reflect? Is there enough proof in our lives that states that Jesus is Lord?

I’m reminded that all that I am, I owe to the Lord.  Every gift, every skill, all that I’m entrusted with—every possession, everything; even my very breath! Lord let my life bring you glory!

It’s humbling to read what others say in the public square. But the question remains; God what are YOU saying about me? 

He not only “likes” me, he LOVES me! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16) My name is in His Book.  I did not write it; He purchased it for me.“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27) He calls to us, changes us and then allows us to follow him. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19)

Are you in? Linked to the Lord; transformed by His shed blood. “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” (Song of Songs 6:3a)

I’m concerned about what God thinks of me; after all I’m his daughter.

We cry out! Help us Lord in our areas of weakness.  Forgive us for our sins.  Cause our hearts to be surrendered to you.  Thank you for loving us and dying on the cross; being the very ransom to purchase my soul. My feet have decided to follow you every day that you give me breath. Let the name of Jesus be praised!!

 My life: “like” or “unlike”

www.IdentifiedwithChrist.HisDomain

Multiplied by Need to Breathe

God bless you!~Liz

Encouragement

Romans 12:10-13  (NIV)
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

I have treasures! 

I have a treasure box.  In my treasure box I have little notes that God has sent my way.  I keep them and when my heart seems heavy or I begin to have doubts--I take a peek in my treasure box.

What can a word of encouragement or a little note do? I keep my little jewels of affirmation and hope together; notes that you have sent and I have hid for future days when my heart may seem discouraged. 

The Lord uses others to bring encouragement; sometimes even prophetic words that seem unreachable but yet come to pass.

Thank you for your words of kindness over the past years!

Keep sharing your heart with others; it's like a breath of fresh air!

Yes, Your Word oh Lord has sustained me and has breathed life to me.

ENCOURAGEMENT:

An action of giving someone support, confidence, or  hope.

Persuasion to do or to continue something.

God bless you!~Liz

www.lizrod.com

Filthy Rags

All of us have become like one who is unclean,and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6)

I have a favorite pass-time, drinking coffee.  It's not just any coffee but my favorite is Dunkin' Donuts. 

As I was on my way to church yesterday, I stopped by the drive-thru to get myself a cup.  As I pulled up to the drive-thru window I pulled really close to a "drive-thru" garbage can. 

Now, if you know the voice of the Spirit of God you are aware that he is speaking all the time. So as I reached over to my cup holders to get rid of the old cups and bottles, I heard myself say out loud, "only in America" more like "you got to be kidding".  I mean really, how lazy am I.  Not only did I not get out of the car to purchase my cup of coffee, I did not even get out to get rid of the garbage that had pilled up in  my car.

Okay, I know you are probably wondering what does this have to do Jesus, after all I am a writer inspired by His Word. Follow me.

How long do we hold on to sin; looking for the right time; a convenient time to release it.  We have issues, we have sinned against God but we refuse to let it go.  We convince ourselves that either it was not our fault or that we have to some how work it through in our minds before we can make a confession to the Lord.   We can't enjoy the present moment because it is contaminated by yesterday's sin.  We can't worship, we can't read His Word, we can't, we can't and we can't. We act as if we have the ability to clean ourselves up.

Don't we want to be free?

Like cups that linger in my car until I am ready to discard them, so it is often with our sin.  The Bible teaches us that we are to quickly confess and we will be released. 

If I leave my cups long enough in my car, if somehow they have spilled over; now I have a bigger mess.  I can  no longer just grab my cup and toss it.  NO, now I have to scrub deep into the cup holder because the seepage of my drink has pierced its container and now my cleanup is worse.

Sin can seep into every part of our life if we hold on to it.

The next time you get in your car, look around; any garbage?

Check your heart; what is residing there; has it affected other areas of your life?

Get rid of it; you don't need a drive-thru window to clean your car.

AND  you surely don't have to wait another moment to be free.
Right now we can confess and feel the release come from our God! 

It's in the practical things of life that the spiritual often comes to life.
Let's clean up!  No sooner that I confess my sin, the Lord digs deep leaving no trace of sin if I allow him.

READ THE ENTIRE CHAPTER click here

God bless you!~Liz
www.lizrod.com

My Numbers tell a Story

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit

drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22

Late this afternoon I had an appointment with a health counselor regarding my blood sugars; I am diabetic. It’s been a few years that I had seen her but at the request of my physician I went.

I have no known issues; this was more like a routine event.

My visit resulted in some very interesting findings; things that we “know” or hear about, but today I experienced it firsthand.

She asks me a few questions and then proceeds to download my blood sugars from my machine. She tells me things look pretty good and that I am well controlled—Glory to God!

I tell her a little about myself, sharing how I serve the Lord.

As she continues to review my numbers; she is looking for patterns and she asks, “what happens on Fridays, whatever it is it must be good”.

I kinda’ chuckled and said, “that’s my Bible Study Night”, why? She proceeded to tell me that medically speaking as she observes my readings from Monday to Friday, that Fridays is the best day based on my chart.

I have always known that serving the Lord is not only a spiritual blessing but this transformation also affects my physical flesh. My body recognizes and anticipates going to the House of God and it feels well.

Our conversation continued.

I am pretty much well rounded emotionally, but there is this one area that causes me stress (I’m still in progress and need to overcome).

My counselor says, “What goes on, on Tuesdays and Thursday during the day”. I almost fell of my chair. I replied, “I go to work”.

This is my area of stress.

Medically speaking she could see my body change as she read my blood sugar numbers.

So I prodded a little more; “tell me counselor, how are my numbers on Monday and Wednesday”? I have been taking Mondays off from work and on Wednesday I operate from my house. She said, “Pretty good; what happens on those days”?

I answered, “Mondays I am off and Wednesdays I work from home”.

My physical body is affected based on my environment. When I am at my office my body declines; when I am home or anticipate going to church my body improves.

Go figure!! A merry heart doeth good like a medicine!

One of my favorite pieces of Scripture is from Psalm 103. Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:2-3.

O.K. pray from me, I need to fully overcome and make some changes.

I did not think that my body was being affected, but obviously it is. I want my numbers to read as if I lived in the HOUSE OF GOD!!

Praise the Living God, He actually lives inside of me!!

He reminds me, same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in me! Liz don’t forget!! Glory to God!

God bless you!~Liz

The Chase

Isaiah 61:10 (NIV)

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.


Time moves without obeying any stop or yield signs.  It seems like yesterday, I was a young girl being pursued by a young man who seemed to have an interest in me.  Truth be told I had an interest in him! The year was 1979, the Federal debt was $829.5 billion; the U.S. Voyager I space probe photos reveal Jupiter's rings;  Michael Jackson released his first breakthrough album, Off the Wall; average monthly rent $280.00 and the cost of a gallon of gas .86 cents. NO I don't have this memorized, I Googled it! 

What is edged in my mind is the day he came into my life.  In the recesses of my mind, I can see what he was wearing as he leaned on his brown Montego vehicle.  He drove to where I had just moved just to say, "hello". Well--HELLO!

We dated and in 3 years time we got to know each other and then the question, "will you marry me".  HELLO----Yes!  It's been 36 years since the day he pulled up just to bring a greeting.  

Time is an interesting thing; it encapsulates my life.  It let's me know how old I am; reminds me of yesterday and even how long it's been since I last ate.  So, three years later we got married and lived happily ever after.

Well, happily ever after is for fairy tales.  Marriage is hard work; a commitment to each other no matter time brings.  I love this man and I am surrendered to him till death do us part.  He is the covering and provision  that God has sent for me.  He would do anything for me--I know that!!  I love him!

Outside of time is another who desires my hand in marriage.  Actually he will allow his hands to be pierced for the sake of the union.  He shouts from the beginning of time, I love you!  He will re-arrange anything to make me his.  He will leave the Throne Room but never his royalty; He will release a song over me, begin to build a home in glory for me and will satisfy the debt I owe.  This debt is not Federal but Spiritual; sin that has tripped me.  His love will pursue me until I can recognize his call for me.  He will chase, follow me and reveal his eternal love for me.

This relationship is not easy.  I often make more mistakes; break the Father's heart but he is commitment to me!  He is my eternal covering and had made provision to cover my mess.
That year the sin debt might as well been a billion times a billion because one sin was enough to separate me from Him.  But, he loves me.  He paid for my debt.  He is the Groom that has lavished this bride. He loves me!  I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)

Papo thank you for sharing this life with me!  Jesus thank you for making me whole and sending this man to love me.  Thirty-six years goes by pretty fast.  Eternity is forever; have you considered the One that is drawing you to Himself?

God bless you!~Liz

www.lizrod.com

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Psalm 143:8 (KJV) Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…… No it’s not winter but the season that precedes it; it is FALL (perhaps not officially)!

This is my favorite time of year with Spring being second in line. As I sat outside this morning in my pajamas, cup of coffee in hand it was glorious! To any visitor that would have stopped by my house this morning- I look like a wreck. You know ladies, you just got up, the hair is a mess; I brushed my teeth and outside I went as if it was a long desired treat!

The breeze was invigorating; I felt like I could climb the trees in my back yard and sway and compete with all the branches that moved to the song of the gentle wind; I was jealous.

God’s creation is so beautiful and as I sat there talking with my Lord and thanking him for the beauty my eyes beheld and the breeze my face felt, well it was a private time of worship with me and my Father.

I rocked back and forth on the swing in my backyard with Bible in hand reading of the different mentions of praise in the Scriptures; so many authors with expression of praise unto God.

There is a boasting and celebration for the great things that God has done! I read once again about the various times of thanksgiving, hands extended in praise to our Lord. The very visible expressions of praise as the writers illustrate how they bowed down to the Lord; the instruments they plucked to honor the Almighty; the songs that were sung in times of pain and victory. Oh praise the Lord oh my soul!

I too began to speak and sing out loud as I praised my God.

Prompted by the very experience of the gentle breeze, my soul began to express thanksgiving unto God!

I was reminded of the day my life changed. Yes, like a gentle breeze I was swept away by the Lover of my Soul! “ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”(John 3:8)

God is so good! Thank you for saving my soul! Thank you for revealing yourself to me over and over again! There is an expression of praise in the Scriptures; in the Hebrew it reads “Todah”. It is an expression of thanksgiving, bringing an offering and in one mention it alludes to an offering of thanksgiving even before the victory comes. “Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me (Todah), and to the blameless I will show my salvation.” (Psalm 50:23)

Oh, let us praise his Name! The victory indeed belongs to our God. We all have challenges. Today as I sat outside perhaps an eyesore to whoever passed by; I indeed was visited by the Spirit of God and enjoyed a refreshing time in his Presence! I don’t repel him; he does not care what I look like in the morning or any other time; he is acquainted with suffering (Isaiah 53:3) and he desires my company. He wants me to engage with him daily. “And he talks with me and he walks with me and he tells me I am his own”! YES!!! He loves me!

Can I sing a Christmas song at the end of Summer—yes I can. It’s the most wonderful time of the year…..

God bless you!~Liz