ARISE Bride of Christ!

At our church's morning prayer – Pictures during worship:

1. God and I walking arm in arm. Instead of me being on a “leash” (where God never lets go of me, but gives me freedom to wander) walking separately from God, or even walking hand in hand – we were walking arm in arm (I was on his left side). This way he was able to support me – keep me from falling if I started to trip on a rock or something. By keeping very close to him, I was better supported – able to be held up. – Yes – I want that Lord! I want to be closer to you this year – to be arm in arm with you! Pull me close – and don’t let go! :)
2. We were singing “how deep . . . how wide . . is your love for me”. I was standing arm in arm with God looking at an expanse of ocean/water. I couldn’t see the other sides or bottom. Yes – how deep and wide is your love God! But God said – “No. It’s not that Lori. Look up.” I looked toward the sky. His love was as deep and wide as the sky – the universe. It was limitless . . .without end! Even though I can’t see the other side of the ocean, or the bottom – I still know there is an end – there is a limit. Yes it’s big – very big – but it has limits. The universe does not. God’s love does not. His power does not. Wow! I’m sorry God that we have put limits on you – on your love – who you can love, how you can love, what your love looks like, what you can do through your love – and more. I’m sorry Lord. Forgive us!
3. I was hugging God (my Daddy) – and he told me to look. He took me outside and showed me a beautiful sunrise. “This is for you.” . . . and then he showed me a beautiful sunset “This is for you too”. One of our pastors then got up and said that God was saying today – “Arise” – that we were to pray for the church to Arise – for the Bride of Christ to Arise! Wow – God’s presence was great! His love was great!
4. I got up to pray and saw God nudging his Bride awake from her sleep – every so gently – with his love. “Arise. Wake up. I want to show you the sunrise. Yes, there is work to be done in the daylight, but I want you awaken now – to see the things that I’ve created just for you. Beautiful things. Don’t wait until it’s fully light out – but wake up now.” I could sense that his bride has been asleep – comfortable in bed. She may be somewhat awake, or waking up – but not wanting to get out of bed. “I’ll wait until it’s light out” she says (till we see God’s glory in full all around us). But God wants us to come with Him NOW – to get up while it’s still a bit dark out – to show us His glory right now – in all it’s splendor and beauty! He has great things for us. He doesn’t want us waking up too late and having to rush to catch up with the “day”. He wants us to arise early – spend time with him enjoying the beauty of the day – and get ready for the rest of the “day” ahead. He wants to show us – not only the sunrise – but the sunset. The culmination of the “day” – the end result.

Lord – I definitely want to be around for the “sunset”! I definitely want to be awake for the sunrise! Keep nudging me awake! Keep calling to me with your love. Allow me to see all the beautiful and wonderful and amazing things you have for me to see – in this world, in your kingdom, in and through your glory, and more. I want to see all that you have for me! Awaken your church – your Bride – Lord! I am so sorry that we have been too comfortable slumbering. We know the day is approaching fast . . . . but we are too comfortable in our beds, under our covers. Get us up Lord!! Wake us up!! But do it with your love! Awaken this nation with your love! Awaken this world with your love! It is your love that transforms, saves, delivers, sustains, and sets us free! Without your love – there is nothing!! Nothing would be here without your love! Thank you for your love God! You are AWESOME!!!

I felt the Lord saying to me -

A day is coming where there will be great work to do for the Lord – where He will require much of us. Will we be caught off guard – trying to adjust to the sudden brightness of the day? Or will we get up now – let our eyes adjust to the slowly increasing light from the sunrise – so that by the time the bright noon sun has come, we are fully ready and not “stunned” by the light.

A day is coming when God’s children will be called to bring His light into the very darkest of places. Many are doing it now. However, many are still enjoying the night. God needs you to come into the bright light of the day in order to bring that light into the dark recesses around us.

Why are you still sleeping? Why are you still trying to enjoy the sunrise and the light from the comfort of your “bed”? Wake up you slumbering bride! Wake up! God is calling you. He doesn’t have a clanging cymbal or loud alarm clock –He’s gently calling to you and nudging you awake. But you are not listening. You are not responding even when you do hear. Wake up! Get up! Stop procrastinating or the day will be upon you! You will be caught off guard! Get up! Get going! TODAY is the day to get up and get going! Meet with God. Stick with God. Stop trying to still enjoy the light and the day by being lazy in your bed – in your darkened room. You can’t have both anymore. Put off your bedclothes and be clothed in His righteousness! Take His robe that He is offering – his clothes – his garments. Take them and put them on and wear them! Today is the day to stop being lazy and procrastinating and waiting for the sunlight to reach you in your bedroom. Get up – get out – and go find the sunlight – find the sunrise! It’s there. You just have to get up and look! Stop being lazy! Stop making excuses – “tomorrow I will. Not today. I’ve got too much to do. I’m too tired. I’m not interested. I’ll get around to it eventually. There’s always another day. . . . “ No there isn’t! You are not guaranteed another day. Your neighbor is not guaranteed another day. Your family, wife, spouse, kids, mom, friend . . . are not guaranteed another day. So get up! Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness – and ALL these things shall be added unto you! Get up and seek! And you will find! Get up! Get up! Get up!

Arise Bride of Christ! Arise!

Thank you Lord for how Deep and wide is your love for me!!

Enjoy His Deep love today!

L :)