A Bride Getting Ready

[chart]

Lately...I've been thinking about "being ready" more than ever...
"Getting ready" to meet my groom, Jesus Christ.

My daughter got married this past Saturday, July 28th. It was the most beautiful, joyful Wedding I have ever witnessed. With smiles on their faces the bride and groom stared at each other the entire time! Everything went as planned and there was not one complaint or mistake. It was truly a dream come true type Wedding. May I add, it was well thought out and prepared for by the entire family(we all have the gift of administration).

During the preparation however, it seemed "I" was hard-pressed on every side. Every day sort-a-speak, I had to put my hand to the plow, gazed at the "Wedding" goal and move toward the finish line. It took every ounce of focus I had to prepare for that day...because the cares of life begged for my attention. To give you just a brief discription of what my diary reads(without full detail)... "my last nine months...Nov. Laur got engaged in front of 300 attendees, prepared for greeting afterwords, prepared for thanksgiving, then Christmas. Jan. helped arranged a huge 25th birthday celebration for Kris(daughter) and new son-in-law to be. Was a blessing being that Kris recently got baptised. She met a lot of new friends. Bought Wedding stuff for preparation...Feb. huge engagement party...fell in the attic on an airconditioner and broke my ribs, scheduled to paint new facility, couldnt do it...Mar. worked on Wedding(made all floral arrangements)...Apr. had a huge flood in our basement...lost alot..Fema helped a little. Cleaned up for days. Had another freak accident with a recycling bin...broke both sides of my nose and maxilla bone in my face. Had a miracle! My nose reset itself...the Specialist said he couldn't have done a better job. My nose got a little shorter..Wow, I look a little younger! Wore sun glasses during Easter while spending time with my new family at the resort where the Wedding will be held. May...yeah my birthday, Mother's day...Laur's tea party with bridesmaids, face looks better. June. 2 other Showers and Laur's "huge" shower, made all centerpeices, favors, flowers, arrangements etc..Went better than expected. Quite lovely in fact. July— 2 Weddings, including Laur's( Making all flowers, invites, favors, centerpeices) oh yeah Husband wrote and produced a song...have to make CD covers...Last minute rehearsal letters have to go out...Laur went into emergency two weeks before Wedding with an acute side affect from Medicine, couldn't breathe....oh Yeah, Mom went into emergency few days before the Wedding...we stayed up all night till 7:30am. I really need sleep. We all pulled through. Working on building the facility in between. All floors are put down except for the studio.. Both businesses are doing well. Too much to mention lots of meetings ... it's taken 3yrs to establish the new ministry which began in May. God is amazing. We're finally visiting Networking Churches all summer. I'm writing updates and messages every week and sending out emails..and mentoring Leah and Lindsay...oh yeah,Joanny wants me to mentor her too. I've been praying for her.

Believe it or not, through the entire 9 months, I had to make "prepare for the Wedding" my main focus or it wouldn't have got done. Of course devotion time with the Lord and dates with my husband were top on the list too. I found myself running to the Lord for help quite frequently, praying more often and discussing much with my husband. After my daughters Wedding I felt more freedom not to have to press as hard. While reflecting on my 9 month journey I found myself asking "me" one vital question... though the cares of life tug on me day and night AM I "daily" PREPARING FOR "MY" WEDDING DAY... AM I ACTING LIKE A BRIDE GETTING READY FOR MY GROOM? JESUS CHRIST?

Oddly enough, my other daughter caught the bouquet at the Wedding while my husband and I simultaniously said; "oh no". When we returned home she said; "I'd like to be married by next year"...when I asked if her boyfriend was even thinking about marriage she replied; " No not now, but all he has to do is get ready". He's thinking about moving to Ireland but if he decides to stay, all he has to do is get ready". I graciously replied; "He'll BE ready when he wants to BE married, and you'll know it"!

Likewise, we'll be ready if we really want to "be married". I have done many studies on THE BRIDE OF CHRIST, however, this journey really got me thinking about all the inside preparation of what it takes to "BE READY" and how I feel convicted now more than ever. More often than not, I hear a lot of brothers and sisters talk about heaven and the rapture. I very rarely hear anyone say "I'm getting ready to meet my groom".

CW Team, What do you think about "being ready" for Christ's return? What does that look like to you?

Honestly,.....I think it's soon.:o
From the heart,
C.hart

[Scotsman]

Wow. Talk about being ready to meet HIM the groom – I’d say that you’ve had a rehearsal.

It’s no wonder why nothing went haywire at the wedding – there wasn’t anything left to go wrong. Seeing everything that could-possibly-go-wrong actually did – before the wedding. :)

As far as being ready for the groom …

Living this day as though it was my last, whether it be from His coming, or my going, is a must. This morning’s quiet time spells it out perfectly. To some, it may seem too gloomy. But to those on the positive side of their walk, it’s awesome.

2 Corinthians 6:1-13. In a way, this is how the early Church was instructed to get ready to meet the groom.

Dare I live my life any different? I’ve had to apologize too often to want to continue having to apologize for a smelly attitude.

I know, and you know, when that day of His Coming comes, it will be exactly as you initially wrote:

It was the most beautiful, joyful Wedding I have ever witnessed. With smiles on their faces the bride and groom stared at each other the entire time! Everything went as planned and there was not one complaint or mistake.

[chart]

[/B]Wow. Talk about being ready to meet HIM the groom – I’d say that you’ve had a rehearsal.

Living this day as though it was my last, whether it be from His coming, or my going, is a must. This morning’s quiet time spells it out perfectly. To some, it may seem too gloomy. But to those on the positive side of their walk, it’s awesome.

2 Corinthians 6:1-13. In a way, this is how the early Church was instructed to get ready to meet the groom.

Dare I live my life any different?[/I]

Yes...I have had a rehearsal. I love that response. I didn't think of it that way. I read and pondered First Cor. 6:1-13...thank you for that. I think I needed it today. "Living this day as though it was my last". I will remember that forever Scotsman! It's all about keeping the oil in our lamps isn't it?
Allowing the Spirit of Christ to flow in and through us. I know I need a character change in many areas of my life...I'd like to add to "Living this day as though it was my last" because..."I die daily". I had another "testing moment" today and needed to get on my face. As we both read;"2Cr 6:1We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,...THIS IS THE DAY OF SALVATION...Is there any other way then to be ready? Dare I live my life any different?

Blessings to you Scotsman and thankyou sooooo much for your encouraging Word,
C. Hart

[lynnmosher]

Oh, chart, I am so-o-o-o excited to hear you say that. We don't realize how important it is to live this way. We always think there is plenty of time, but maybe there isn't. We don't have the promise of living until tomorrow. Now is the time to get ready, not tomorrow or the next day.

As in the old Jewish tradition, the bride was assisted by her handmaidens in dressing. She never knew when her bridegroom would come. As she was, we are to be ready. As was said, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning."

Though the bride had time to dress, we will not be afforded that luxury. When the trumpet blows, we will not have time to take a shower, change our clothes, or even look back and say goodbye. This will be an instant come-as-you-are party. Our duty is to be prepared.

I am just finishing a book that I wrote on this very thing, concerning the ancient marriage process. If you were thinking of the same thing, do not let my writing discourage you. You must follow as the Lord leads.

Thank you for sharing. I totally agree.

[chart]

As in the old Jewish tradition, the bride was assisted by her handmaidens in dressing. She never knew when her bridegroom would come. As she was, we are to be ready. As was said, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning."

Though the bride had time to dress, we will not be afforded that luxury. When the trumpet blows, we will not have time to take a shower, change our clothes, or even look back and say goodbye. This will be an instant come-as-you-are party. Our duty is to be prepared.

I am just finishing a book that I wrote on this very thing, concerning the ancient marriage process. If you were thinking of the same thing, do not let my writing discourage you. You must follow as the Lord leads.

Thanks Lynn for the encouragement. I think it's vital to get this message out anyway we can. I believe it is the cry of the Spirit...the time is near.
I have studied the Jewish Wedding and have found that some of the traditions have changed throughout the ages. I would be the first to read your book. This subject is dear to my heart. 12 years ago I spoke in conference on this very parable however, I believe I have grown to understand more of it's in-depth meaning. In short, what is your opinion of the meaning of the lamps and the oil?

May we be wise Virgins Lynn.
Do you think today's lukewarm gospel messages support the true meaning of the Parable of the ten Virgins? I am so interested in your opinion. I say this with all grace and mercy and not with condemnation.

Desiring truth,
C. Hart

[lynnmosher]

chart, I see you are online at the moment. I just wanted to let you know I'll get back to you later. I have to leave the house in just a little bit. Must get ready. :D

[lynnmosher]

Okay, chart...here goes. It took me a while to think about this.

Concerning today’s preaching, I don’t like to give a universal, one-size-fits-all opinion. Some churches are doing a fine job of preparing their members to be holy, to be without spot or wrinkle, in preparation for the Lord’s coming. On the other hand, there are those who have…well, let’s just say they preach on other things.

You know, as much as I read commentaries and study the Word on the parable of the 10 virgins, I still cannot come to a conclusion. I do not profess to have an answer to this. This is only my musing. So, someone else can come along and beat me over the head with my words or have a better answer.

Some scholars say the parable represents the believing church awaiting Christ’s return, while others say it is the Jewish remnant. Since no bride is mentioned, it is a little confusing. You knows, maybe it’s both!

Perhaps, since the bride-church is not mentioned, these are two divisions of the Jews, those who have become believers in Christ, and therefore have oil in their lamps, and those who are without Christ. Those with oil will join the Bridegroom in snatching away the bride.

There are two main points of which I am certain. One is the shutting of the door. When Noah and all had been loaded into the ark, the Word says, “And the LORD shut him in.” Here, again the door was shut. Reminds me of Jesus saying, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man.” Those left on the outside will beg to be let in. This is what I wrote in my book:

Unfortunately, many who arrive for the heavenly nuptials will stand outside the gate, rattling the bars, begging to be let in, as Jesus warned, “A lot of you are going to assume that you’ll sit down to God’s salvation banquet just because you’ve been hanging around the neighborhood all your lives. Well, one day you’re going to be banging on the door, wanting to get in, but you’ll find the door locked and the Master saying, ‘Sorry, you’re not on My guest list.’ You’ll protest, ‘But we’ve known You all our lives!’ only to be interrupted with His abrupt, ‘Your kind of knowing can hardly be called knowing. You don’t know the first thing about Me.’ That’s when you’ll find yourselves out in the cold, strangers to grace.” (Luke 13:24-28 The Message Remix)

The second point is very clear cut: Be ready! Be vigilant and expectant for the Bridegroom’s appearance, whenever it is. Those who were prepared went to the wedding.

Therefore, my take-away is this: my light must not go out. I must be ready. I cannot be careless in my waiting or my living. I must keep my life in a state of holy readiness, for He will come when I least expect Him. “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.”

This is the essence of my book in a nutshell.

[chart]

Okay, chart...here goes.


There are two main points of which I am certain. One is the shutting of the door. When Noah and all had been loaded into the ark, the Word says, “And the LORD shut him in.” Here, again the door was shut. Reminds me of Jesus saying, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man.” Those left on the outside will beg to be let in. This is what I wrote in my book:

Unfortunately, many who arrive for the heavenly nuptials will stand outside the gate, rattling the bars, begging to be let in, as Jesus warned, “A lot of you are going to assume that you’ll sit down to God’s salvation banquet just because you’ve been hanging around the neighborhood all your lives. Well, one day you’re going to be banging on the door, wanting to get in, but you’ll find the door locked and the Master saying, ‘Sorry, you’re not on My guest list.’ You’ll protest, ‘But we’ve known You all our lives!’ only to be interrupted with His abrupt, ‘Your kind of knowing can hardly be called knowing. You don’t know the first thing about Me.’ That’s when you’ll find yourselves out in the cold, strangers to grace.” (Luke 13:24-28 The Message Remix)

Wow...that's really powerful..."fearfully stated". I can't imagine being on the other side of that "shut door". That's an eye-opener to how serious our daily abiding in Him is. I had the opportunity to see NOAH at the Millenium Theatre(Sight & Sound) in Lancaster, Pa. The theatre had three stages atop one another, which surrounded the audience. After intermission the audience found itself in the center of the Ark with animals in cubicals all around on three levels- 40 ft high (built to scale). I can remember the part vividly when the door to the Ark miraculously shut and the people on the outside began to scream. Noah's family wept uncontrollably because they could not open the door to let their loved ones in! God had shut the door...it was too late. I can't imagine what that feels like leaving loved ones behind.

I pray that your book is read by many,
Thank you for sharing,
Chart

[lynnmosher]

I can't imagine being on the outside either. How frightful a thought!!! :eek:

Wow! That must have been some play. What an experience.

Thanks for the good wishes. I just pray I can get my book published!!! :D

[chart]

CW Team,
Can you help me out here? I am passionate about this subject and really need to know what you think.

What do you understand about these scriptures?

The Chapter BEFORE the 10 Virgins parable:

Notice what WILL happen:
Mat 24:3... the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. continue down to:
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mat 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Mat 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

What can potentially put our lights out????:confused:

I believe:
FALSE PROPHETS WILL ARISE AND DECIEVE MANY!! False teachers dilute the Word! The Word is Christ (John 1:1). In other words these False Prophets will preach another gospel which will make Christ who is SALVATION look differently. People who buy into this false Gospel will not come to know the intimacy of Christ their Lord. SALVATION will appear to be something else. They will not KNOW how to Love the Lord with all of their hearts because they don't know HIM. In fact the Gospel that they buy into will exhault something other than the Lord. Heaven? Prosperity?etc.

Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Mat 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Mat 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut

I believe that...
The "oil" is the Holy Spirit and the Witness of the Spirit of Christ so we become familiar with Who He is. Investing time in our relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit sort-a-speak is like "buying oil". The Lamps are our "profession" of faith.(Let our light shine, holding forth the Word of Life).
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK out of his place, except thou repent.. The Lord will take the lamps away in some cases. If we say we are His and our lives do not prove it, we bring shame to His name.

It's so my heart and my passion...I probably need to write a book on this.
I'm more of a teacher so it most likely will look like a workbook.

CW team, what do you think about "getting ready"? What does it mean to you. Seriously....I passionately need to know.

C.Hart

[chart]

I can't imagine being on the outside either. How frightful a thought!!! :eek:

Wow! That must have been some play. What an experience.

Thanks for the good wishes. I just pray I can get my book published!!! :D

Lynn,
I WILL be praying for your book to be published!!!!!:)
C. Hart

[lynnmosher]

chart, thanks so much for the prayers. I haven't read through your post yet but I think you might want to take your post above and enter it as a new thread. It will get more exposure rather than being hid within this one. I will go back and read it. Thanks again for being so sweet to pray. Bless you.