What "Clothes" Are You Wearing?

Romans 13:14 "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires."

Everyday we have a choice in how we are going to live our lives.  God gives each of us the opportunity to choose.  Deuteronomy 30:19 "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses.  I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make.  Oh that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live."  We must make the choice each day as to how we will live.

That being said, look back at Romans 13:14.  Paul says to "clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ."  The choice.  Will I obey the Word and clothe myself in the presence of the Lord Jesus, or will I put on my own clothes and try to do this day on my own?

When we choose to "clothe ourselves, or to put on the presence of Jesus" do you understand what that means?  When we put on His presence, we are then encased in His power, peace, protection, healing, provision, joy, patience, and on and on.  We "put on" His authority, clearly marked as one of His children.

At Bethany A/G in Agawam, MA, they have to have a police officer direct traffic onto Main Street each Sunday.  Now I don't know the name of the officer, let's call him Tim (that's a cool name!).  Tim is a father of two, has a beautiful wife and loves his work.  He seems like just a normal guy.  

When Tim goes to direct traffic as a police officer, he puts on (or clothes himself with) his uniform and badge.  When he stands in the street to direct traffic everyone knows and understands the authority that comes from the uniform and badge that Tim wears.  When he puts his hand up, cars and trucks stop.  When he waves them on they begin to go again.  Why?  Because of the authority he has in wearing the uniform and badge.  It says, that he has been given authority and the right to do what he is doing by the city and or state.  

What do you think would happen if Tim tried to direct the traffic with out his uniform and badge?  It probably wouldn't be pretty!

Paul, instructs us here that everyday we are to choose to "put on or to clothe ourselves" with the presence (or the authority) of Jesus Christ.  When we do, we then can speak to the mountain and it will be cast into the sea.  When we do, we walk in His power and His strength and His victory.  Why, would anyone, once they have been given such a great gift, choose to not "put it on" and instead just wear plain clothes?  

Know Your Purpose and Take Action!

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

Certainty of purpose is the first step toward the mark of achievement.  Enduring, lasting, effective, and noticed achievement will not take place if you are unsure of your purpose.  

Too often, people sail away seeking their own destination.  Many times, in course, their minds are changed and the sails get set in new directions.  For this reason much time, energy and resources are used up.  

It is for this reason that James says in chapter 1 and verse 5 that "if anyone lacks wisdom he should ask God for it, who will give it liberally and does not resent being asked."  Friends, God wants to reveal His purposes and plans to you.  When you are uncertain, He wants you to seek Him and as you do, he promises to give you an answer.

However, James goes on in verse 6 to give a warning.  He says that one should, "ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."  Verse 7, "For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, (8) he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

Don't be like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind in every direction!  Seek God's purpose.   Then, once you feel you have it, be decisive.  Use your mind, the tool God has given you, and figure out what to do.  Take daily action toward achieving your purpose.  

Matthew 21:22 "IF you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  LISTEN, you will get exactly and only what you ask and work for!

"Successful people move on their own initiative, but they know where they are going before they start." -Napoleon Hill