Cast off the cloak of malice and wickedness, for it is not fit clothing for My people and put on the cloak of righteousness. Tuck it into the wondrous belt of truth that is also My gift to you – it is the truth of the gospel which is not meant to be kept inside the house but must go throughout the world wherever I send you.
When we first moved to our apartment about two decades ago, we bought a chiming clock, which has become a part of our lives and a kind of friend and companion. Unfortunately our friend has recently suffered a breakdown. All is well with the chimes – quarter- half hour – three quarters – and the full hour. “Regular as clockwork” as the saying goes. So also with the counting of the hours… until on bad days we reach midday. Then the hour goes on striking – twelve – twenty – once I counted to thirty six o’clock! On some occasions, I have had to silence our friend altogether!
It is so important to have the correct balance and rhythm in the pattern of our spiritual lives. It is no help to anybody to be chiming twenty just because we feel we ought to do more. In the Lord’s work it is important to be “ready” and to “go” but it is just as important to be “steady” and to walk faithfully with Him.
We were meditating on: Exodus 12:11 “This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s Passover.” And we felt the Lord was saying:-
Let None Rob You of the Glory of My Cross
In all your pilgrimage I have been with you. You are not called to self-effort, but you are called to vigorous discipleship. I will lead you in the way, and I will give you the tasks apportioned to you. I will accompany you with blessings, and you shall be a comfort to many. Let hope brighten your days, and drink deeply of the living water.
Do not be swayed by winds of doctrine but set your face to the journey. My Spirit goes with you, and you walk leaning on your beloved. Be strong and resolute, and contend for the faith.
I will make you abundantly fruitful and you shall know the wisdom given by revelation of My Spirit. Be strong in faith and do not falter but hold fast to truth and righteousness. Let none rob you of the glory of My Cross, and of My death for you. Live in the power and health of My resurrection, and look eagerly for My coming.
See, I have given you a coat to wear of many colours, a coat of righteousness, a coat signifying My favour. Cast off the cloak of malice and wickedness, for it is not fit clothing for My people and put on the cloak of righteousness. Tuck it into the wondrous belt of truth that is also My gift to you – it is the truth of the gospel which is not meant to be kept inside the house but must go throughout the world wherever I send you. And put on the sandals of the gospel of peace, and take your staff which is the staff of authority and will enable you to stand in slippery places. And then go in My Name taking My word with authority, demonstrating My holiness and righteousness in all places, walking in the sunshine of My presence with My favour upon you wherever you go.
Do not be swayed by winds of doctrine but set your face to the journey. My Spirit goes with you, and you walk leaning on your beloved. Be strong and resolute, and contend for the faith.
For My life that is in you is meant to progress and to go places, so let us walk together throughout the land of promise and all things shall be yours.
