The Coat of His Love. "Behold the Lamb of God!" John 1:36 (KJV) Diane Underwood

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1 The Coat of His Love "Behold the Lamb of God!" John 1:36 (KJV) Diane Underwood

2 2014, Diane Underwood All rights reserved. Illustrations by Diane Underwood I dedicate this book to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. My darling husband John, thank you so much for believing in me and helping me fly. This book would not have happened without you. Thank you to my sister, Edna Harris, for her encouragement and loving support. Thanks to Paul Scibetta for suggesting I write this book in Here it is, seven years later! Available in hardcopy from: Visit my Facebook page at: ISBN: SHE Publishing Rev.:

3 The Coat of His Love by Diane Underwood THE GARMENT OF PRAISE To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 (KJV) In God s presence I had a vision of myself in His dressing room! So excited and nervous that He had

4 2 chosen me to walk His runway as His model. I questioned God as to what coat he wanted me to wear? I didn t want to choose one just for the sake of choosing one because I wanted to wear what He chose for me. I understand modelling simply because I am a model. When you wear an outfit, it is to promote the latest fashion by wearing, posing and showing the best exemplification of the clothing. Some of these garments are one of a kind creations shaped by accomplished high fashion designers moreover they can be very expensive. There are no two alike. Also, they serve to feed and satisfy or tempt the palate of our fashion appetite in assisting us to find the fashion that is unique to our own liking, style and

5 3 taste. There are a select few outfits which are chosen for the catwalk. Amazingly all frantically orchestrated behind the scenes, it is now time to model the clothing for your pleasure and delight in a beautiful fashion show. Once you have seen the garments and you envision yourself wearing them, you may now choose which one you would like to purchase. Once I know the garment of His choice as my Fashion Designer, I then confidently wear it for His Glory! In my vision, He pointed to the coat of His choosing and asked me to wear it. I would do my best to wear it and let the garment sell itself! You are my sleeves, Lord. I place myself in Your arms. My neck is held

6 4 up by Your hands, as a collar on a garment. You surround me with Your love as a finished hem with threads of righteousness, love, grace and mercy. The sequins of Your glory sparkles upon me and I am embraced in You. You are my comfort. Thank you God for clothing me in You! I praise You. Jesus unravelled Himself to clothe me with Himself. As a lamb who is stripped of his coat to clothe many people with its wool; Jesus is the fabric of my being. I am not my own. I was clothed with a price. Righteousness, peace and love are the very fibres of Jesus that clothe me. I stand confident in Him as He is my garment of praise, my new coat of love.

7 5 It is He who has so richly clothed me in this coat of sequins fashioned by His own hands. I reflect all of His Glory as the light hits the sequins. The collar reaches high under the chin which buttons up to gently uphold and force my head to be held up in a confident way. This shows that the garment holds you and you don t hold the garment. This enables me to stay focused in front of you the audience and allows the garment to flow as it should. The shoulders are holding the sleeves in a military style as my arms sway back and forth. There is a smooth line down the sleeve to reveal His outstretched arms. Each button, a jewel to behold, is a beautiful gem displayed on the sheep s wool. This coat is lined with satin, as not to show

8 6 how the garment was stitched and to keep you insulated with His word of truth which is the way, the truth and the life. The built-in elastic belt holds the coat cinched at your waist to remind you of His belt of truth. This also gives a feeling of security and holds the coat in place. God is the pattern, the tailor and designer. He is the finisher of our faith. I am a model for God my creator. I will put on the garment of praise, the coat of His love and stand confident in Him.

9 7 WRAP YOURSELF IN PRAISE To put on the Garment of Praise means to literally wrap yourself in Praise. Begin by reading PSALM lifting praises to our God. Sing, dance and worship God with all your heart. Resist the devil by decreeing God's truth in His word and he will flee. The enemy of your soul wants you to wear doubt, fears and self condemnation. Oppression, isolation and loneliness are his garments with the wrong labels.

10 8 You are beautiful, forgiven, precious in His sight... and He loves you. Won t you trade your sorrows for the Joy of the Lord?

11 The Coat of His Love

12 About the Author Diane is a survivor of emotional and mental abuse. Her childhood dream to one day being a model has been fulfilled by her answering God's call to be His model. After buttoning up, she confidently wears the regal coat of His love to walk His runway. Diane s heart s desire is to bring encouragement and hope to wounded spirits, by helping them learn to trust in Love again.