A White Robe of Righteousness

On the wedding day of an earthly marriage, it’s tradition that the groom not view the bride before the wedding ceremony, as she and her bridesmaids spend that precious time adorning and beautifying the bride. While she wants to be radiant to all in attendance, she more importantly is beautifying herself for the bridegroom, her husband-to-be. And traditionally, it’s the bride’s dress that attracts much interest and admiration, the dress that is most often carefully chosen by her, that she wears for the bridegroom. 

God created marriage for us, and as all things in creation point to Christ (Colossians 1:16-17), earthly marriage is a reflection of the marriage between Christ the bridegroom and His bride the church (us).

We are not commanded to “clean ourselves up” before we unite with Christ, for there is no amount of good we can do to make ourselves pure for Him on our own. 

St. John Chrysostom expressed: 

“Into the splendor of thy saints, how shall I enter? For I am unworthy, and if I dare to come into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be cast out by the angels, bound hand and foot. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth from my soul and save me in thy love for mankind.”

Jesus asks that we come as we are. No matter if we have a trace of dirt or we have fully bathed in it, every one of us are unclean because of our sin nature. We all require our bridegroom Christ Jesus to clean us of our transgressions. And He does so willingly and lovingly. For it is ONLY HE who can make us acceptable through washing us with His blood, which makes us holy and white as snow. 

The Lord Covers Us

Upon recognizing their nakedness, in shame Adam and Eve tried to hide themselves with temporary and unsustainable coverings: fig leaves (Genesis 3:7, Genesis 3:8-10). But God! Before banishing them from the Garden, He lovingly made sustainable coverings for them from animal skins (Genesis 3:21).

First, an animal sacrifice had to be made, not by Adam and Eve, but by God Himself. This sacrifice atoned for the sins of the first man and woman, a substitutionary death so that Adam and Eve could be forgiven of their sin. Then God provided the skins from the sacrificed animal to cover and protect their bodies. Only God could provide a covering for them, just as Jesus is our only covering for our sins. The contrast is that Jesus isn’t just a covering, but through His sacrificial death, He washes us of our sins, blotting them out, making us acceptable to God once and for all. Once we were married to the oppressive law, and now we are married to Christ, He covers us- with a robe of salvation, a wedding dress of white having been dipped in His atoning blood. 

Do you truly believe and embrace Jesus Christ as your bridegroom, desiring to make you acceptable to Him as His bride, to unite His life with yours? It would be evident in how you live your life daily.

And if this has been for you, you can pray right now:

Lord Jesus, I come to you today in a posture of humbleness and absolute surrender to you. I repent and ask for Your forgiveness for all my sins. Purify me, leaving not a trace or blemish of anything that keeps me from walking in complete holiness with you. Thank you for washing me, and covering me with your spilled blood, and finding me worthy of uniting your glorious life with mine. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Health

Watermelon for Health: What You Need to Know

Watermelon goes hand-in-hand with warm summer days. Thinking of backyard cookouts and the celebration of July 4th in the U.S., no summer is complete without this sweet treat.

^{Benefits of Watermelon} 🍉

• Hydration:

  Watermelon is about 92% water, making it a great way to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. 

• Electrolytes:

  Replenishes the body’s electrolytes that we so often lose in exercise and when we sweat

• Heart Health:

  Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that may improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Its greatest stores are found in the white of the watermelon rind.

• Nitric oxide (NO):

  Nitric oxide levels increase in the body, primarily due to its citrulline content. Citrulline is converted to arginine, which is then used to produce NO, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. This can lead to various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and exercise performance. 

• Skin and Eye Health:

  Vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants like lycopene, contribute to healthy skin by promoting hydration and potentially reducing damage from free radicals. The beta-carotene, which produces Vitamin A, helps with skin repair, preventing dry skin and flaking. Besides collagen production, it’s also important for immune function. Iron absorption is another benefit.

• Antioxidant Properties:

  Lycopene and other antioxidants in watermelon may help protect against cell damage and chronic diseases. 

• Muscle Soreness Relief:

  Citrulline in watermelon may help reduce muscle soreness after exercise, according to WebMD. 

• Digestive Health:

  Watermelon's fiber and water content can aid digestion and promote regular bowel movements. The polyphenols in watermelon fuel good bacteria in your gut. This not only eases digestion, but may also boost your immune system and your gut’s production of essential nutrients.

• May Help with Weight Management:

  Watermelon is low in calories and has a high water content, which can help with satiety and potentially aid in weight management. 

• Potassium:

  Watermelon is a good source of potassium, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure and nerve function.  

• Vitamin B6:

  Watermelon contains vitamin B6, which helps the body break down proteins and supports nerve function

Those with diabetes may want to limit their watermelon intake, as well as those with digestive issues such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Consult with your licensed nutritionist, holistic/integrated practitioner, or medical doctor.†* 

_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}