The King is looking for a Bride

 The King is looking for a Bride

Our church ladies were invited to join with another church that was sponsoring a Woman’s Conference, the theme: The King is looking for a Bride.

Special Guest Speaker was Helen Stubblefield Trowbridge.  I took notes and present a digested message of the first session.

Ephesians 5:25-27 - - Even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

The speaker began by reminding us that we live in a busy world and at times we might forget about the King who is looking for a Bride.  We need to be that bride in waiting.

She reminded us of Esther and the Party the King Ahasuerus was sponsoring for his important guests.  The party was to last 180 days and the special utensils and goblets were brought out to use.  The King wanted to show off his precious possessions including his beautiful wife Vashti the queen.

We as Christians enjoy 24 hour TV and we eat and eat and eat but nothing is changing us.  The earth is winding down calling for the time of its deliverance.  All that happens in your life is to get your attention to focus on Jesus.  Things happen and we think it is the devil, but some circumstances are allowed to cause us to trust and to develop our faith.

Other times blessings will come to test our humility - -  And there is too much sugar. 

 

In the natural sugar diabetes will cause hands not to reach and feet to crawl instead of walking, eyes not to see our wretched body and our financially starved soul.  We are pressed DOWN, but we need to press INTO Him.

The King was merry and he was filled with the wine of satisfaction and happy times, but then came a situation.  He sent seven men to retrieve the queen, but she refused to come.  The advisers told the King, this is an insult and she must be replaced because she did not respond to your call.

The King wants the Bride to respond to Him.  Search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me. 

We may not be bound by alcohol, or drugs, but our mouth is full of doubt, fear and murmurings.  Will we respond?  Will we be His Bride?  How much does it take to get us to respond?

The King was calling and looking forward to fulfill his purpose.

God is not interested in Self Purpose.

Those who decide to have an affair, bathe, get dressed up so pretty, no bad breath and are on their best behavior.  Many today are shacking up with God but He wants a relationship that will arrive at a marriage.  The King is looking for a Bride.

The name Esther means, “I will be His.”

God is not looking for someone perfect, and He puts us through a beautification process.

The king called for all the beautiful women to be presented and Esther shows up as an innocent girl.  To the perfume oil - precious herbs were added and all the good stuff was at the bottom.  It needs to be shaken up before it can be poured out.

Esther had favor every where she went.  Divine Favor is available for us.

Esther was anointed with sweet ointments and she was the red hot date.

She was sweet, not uptight, and full of the joy of the Lord.  Esther was not concerned about the other women, and she was not stuffy or picky. 

When everything is good, we can be so nice.  We must keep the temperature always the same.  Be ready to smile and to serve willingly.

Holiness is about character, not about what you wear or own.  Not whether you use make up or wear earrings.

We watch TV shows where people are fornicating, drinking and doping, and we don’t blink.   We are so far away from holiness.  Jesus would not watch those shows.

The King is coming to choose His bride.  He is calling for a Holy Bride; one who is blind to her surroundings, the color and station of people, with a God heart that hurts for the lost.

God is positioning His bride with an anointing so heavy that the devils arrows will slide right off.  Stress, disappointment, depression, discouragement will not keep its hold.

Many are sick physically because of unforgiveness.  It is not hurting the other person, but it is hurting you.  Let it go.  If you don’t forgive, it will prevent you from having contentment and joy. 

Get yourself ready.  Not the outward appearance, but the inward beauty.  Esther was faithful and obedient and she became the Bride.

Be ready for the King is coming for His Bride.  Are you ready?