Romans 13:14

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.

^11-14 [The Message] But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!

[Interpretative]

This tree, full of life, is clothed in your beauty.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

You, Lord, are our place of refuge and safety. I shall not want.

Your vibrance reaches across the expanse from your breath of life as you whisper to all souls.

Yet, death lurks in the distance.

Sin, that so easily entangles, is wagging war for the same space.

Drunkenness, lust, pride, bickering, and greed are the brittle limbs holding the last of your colorful gifts.

These sins have eaten at your soul and lay waste to the ground in lifeless decay.

Your trunk is surrounded by death as you war against: “Whoever finds their life will lose it.”

Yet a still small voice paints a different picture: “Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

Picking up your cross, daily, leaves deep wounds.

No one promised that this life was going to be easy.

However, consider it pure joy when you go through various trials.

Don’t squander an opportunity…get dressed and clothe yourself in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Your covering drapes over me like a rich anointing flowing from my head to my knees.

As I bow, you cover me to where others only see the Son.

Conversely, sin has a covering.

This veiled sackcloth suffocates the very spiritual breath required for healthy spiritual fruit.

Your vibrant greens are fading to fragile browns.

This tree, full of life, is clothed in your beauty…your love ran red and cleansed me.

When others look at me, they can only see your skillful creation and handiwork.

So with fresh spiritual eyes, awaken O sleeper.

The time is near and He is calling.

Cast off all the sin that so easily ensnares and clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reclaim what the locust have stolen and take your rightful place.

Stand firm with your trunk unwavering on the cornerstone of Christ.

Don’t sway or turn to the ways of this world.

Remain in the light and He shall cover you with His wings.

The time is now…don’t wait or linger.

You were called for such a time as this but don’t go at it alone.

Putting on the full armor of God protects you in this spiritual battle.

He promises to protect you from the fiery darts of the enemy with the shield of faith.

He waters your soul because He is living water just as the moss helps hydrate the tree.

Remain refreshed by filling yourself with all things just, fair, noble, and true.

Clothe yourself in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Cast off everything else you’re not meant to wear or carry.

Wake up! It’s time to get dressed!

Challenge: What or who are you wearing? This is not a question about designer clothing. This is a spiritual matter.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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