BEING PREPARED
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44)
We prepare for a lot of things in life, don’t we? Little things, like getting dressed and ready for the day, preparing meals, and getting ready for bed. How about that office presentation, a social gathering, a new school year, or seasonal decorations as we prepare for the holidays? What about for the big events in our lives? We have young adult children and our family has recently had wonderful, major plans happening! Our youngest son got married last summer and now our daughter and son-in-law have moved and are expecting a baby boy (our second grandchild) any day now!
The Bible also speaks of being prepared. Noah built the ark in preparation for the flood. King David prepared the building materials so that his son Solomon would be ready to build God’s temple. John the Baptist prepared the way of our Lord. Jesus illustrated the kingdom of heaven is like 10 virgins with their lamps, waiting to meet the bridegroom—5 wise and prepared while the other 5 were not ready and foolish. Jesus also prepared His disciples for His death and resurrection, as well as for His return (that includes us).
We may not know when He will return but we can be ready. Here are a few ways we can get ready:
In praise and worship, by edifying ourselves in God’s Word. That can be every Sunday together with other believers or individually in our daily quiet time and Bible study. Psalm 100:4 states, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
Through acts of service in helping others by giving our time and talents. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Preparing our hearts by Kingdom building and investing in heaven. We do this by giving generously with our treasure. Matthew 6:19-21 warns us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
In this fallen world that appears hopeless, we can prepare by bringing the hope of God in sharing the Good News of salvation with others. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Staying in communication with our heavenly Father through prayer. Ephesians 6:18 tells us, “… pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Let’s prepare together this Tuesday, October 18th by praying in unison for Kevin, Andrew, Wendy, and our Palau team as they are globally reaching the lost with the Gospel, preparing hearts and minds for our Lord’s second coming and fighting the spiritual battles so that salvation is known to all who hear God’s message of hope, truth, grace, and eternal life.
In Preparation through Prayer,
Gail Stockamp
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
PRAYER REPORT
Please enjoy opening the update below and keeping all the regions in your prayers: