"For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin."
2 Corinthians 11:2

This verse reminds all of us we are betrothed to Christ and Christ alone. We who are betrothed to Him look forward to the Bridegroom’s returning for His bride, the church. 1 John 3:3 tells us:

"And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

However, our focus doesn’t need to be more on the time of His return as adorning ourselves in wedding garments pleasing to the Bridegroom. Imagine the disappointment of a groom with a bride who concerned herself with flowers, the reception, and watching the clock, so when time for the ceremony she comes down the aisle in a house coat and rollers with her beautiful gown left hanging in the dressing room!

In Ephesians 5:25-26 husbands are told how to love their wives as Christ loves His bride. He gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word. Then verse 27 states:

"So that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless."

As we prepare for the return of Christ let us not be distracted by the exact time of His appearing, but to present ourselves as living sacrifices who have allowed ourselves to be sanctified and cleansed by the Word of God that He might find us arrayed in all His glory without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.

May we fulfill our vows to love Him with all our hearts, body, mind, soul, and strength. (Matthew 22:37, Deuteronomy 6:8) He must have first place in all things on a daily basis. Our focus must be remaining ready for His return.
May I exhort you and myself to heed Paul’s concern for the believer’s of His time in 2 Corinthians 11:3:

"But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by His craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ."

Let us not allow ourselves to be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. He is the Bridegroom who cherishes His bride as no other. May we prepare ourselves as His virgin bride which is possible for all by the washing of His Word and the blood that was spilled for total cleansing. Though our sins may be as scarlet we all can be dressed in a wedding gown white as snow at His return. (Isaiah 1:18) Be ready!
In His love.

Teresa Roberts

Masterpiece Fitness

276-237-6680

Yesterday Masterpiece Fitness celebrated our quarterly business luncheon by adorning ourselves in hats and trekking off to Draper, Virginia to the "Draper Blooms TEA ROOM and Sipping Apothecary." What fun to be had!