Prepare 3

1 Peter 1:8-9

Modern conveniences help us remain connected with family and friends. Although we may live a hundred miles away from loved ones we can still communicate with them over phones, e-mail and instant messages. Although we can not see them we can still express our love for them. Although we are separated by time and distance still we are connected.

In his first letter Peter speaks of a similar connection in our relationship with Jesus. What can’t we do? What do we still feel? Why do we feel this?

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, an event that took place about 2,000 years ago. With that expanse of time between the occurrence and the remembrance it is easy for us to lose sight of what is truly going on in our holiday revelry. Because of the distance of time we do not see Jesus. We did not see him while he was on earth and we do not see him now.

Added to this is the tendency for modern society to help blur the image of Christ. So often the Christmas holiday seems to deviate more and more from honoring the gift of Jesus. It seems to become more and more about material gifts and mindless parties.

But we, as faithful believers, must prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christmas. We must take an intentional approach to the holiday, keeping the true meaning of Christmas alive in our hearts and minds.

In spite of the obstacles of time and distance between us and the birth of Jesus we still love the Lord. We still believe in who he was and is. We still believe in the purpose and meaning of his birth and life.

We must be aware of the purpose of this tremendous gift. We must remember that Jesus was born so that we might have salvation and the promise of everlasting life with our God.

As we enter into this holiday season let us enter in with watchful eyes and an eager heart, an attitude of expectation. Let us enter the holidays prepared to truly worship the Lord, the king who brings God’s peace.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you see Jesus more clearly this holiday?

Prepare 2

Matthew 2:1-2

As a pastor there are many times when people will tell me that I might expect a phone call from someone else. They often explain what is going on, what problem, what need, and then when I do receive the call I am at least partially informed of what to expect. I must be prepared so that I can help.

Part of the familiar Christmas story involves the Magi, a term which means “wise men.” Where were the Magi from? What did they want to know? What made them look for this new king?

Little is known of these Magi, but we can assume from their story and the term that is used to describe them that they were intelligent men, astronomers, and apparently men of some financial means. They must have been watching the skies for any change in the formations of the stars because the appearance of a special star tipped them off that a great event had happened. A king was born to the Jewish people.

And whoever it was that was born must have been a special king since there is little record of foreigners traveling long distances to honor any of the other kings born to a royal family. The Magi claimed that they had come, not just to bring nice gifts, but to worship this new king.

These Magi (somehow gaining the title of “kings” over the years) are a traditional part of the story. There images are among the figures of any Nativity scene during the holidays. And they teach an important lesson about our approach to the Christmas celebration.

We can assume that they had prepared for this event. Their journey and their gifts were not a spur of the moment decision. They had anticipated the birth. They had watched for the sign. They had prepared so they would be ready to worship the new king when he arrived.

We too must approach Christmas like the Magi. We too must be wise in our preparation for the holiday. We should be prepared to honor God at Christmas, not allowing the holiday to surprise us and not allowing ourselves to miss out on the true meaning of what is going on. We must be ready to worship the king this holiday.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What must you do to prepare yourself to worship Christ this Christmas?

Prepare 1

Isaiah 9:2

A few years ago our church provided gift cards for needy families in the area. I was the one fortunate enough to have the task of delivering them. It was a true joy to see the faces of those who received these gifts, faces that brightened and lit up when they realized their holiday season with all of its stress and financial burdens had just been lightened.

The gifts we give at Christmas are but a poor reflection of the greatest gift that God gave the world. The prophet Isaiah sums up the feeling we can know when we see what God has done. Who are the people walking in darkness? What is the great light? What is the land of the shadow of death?

We can easily lose sight of why we celebrate and what it is we are remembering in our holiday traditions. We can get caught up in all the decorations and the gift-giving, preceded by all the gift buying that we endure. But at the heart of it all is the gift of God’s gracious love in the form of the baby Jesus.

When we reach that realization, when it becomes clear to us that the reason for all the Christmas pageantry and busy-ness is because we are filled with joy that God has loved us so much that He sent Jesus to the world that we might have everlasting life, then our joy can flash inside of us like a brilliant light. This is the image that Isaiah addresses.

This passage from Isaiah is a standard for the holiday. It is one of the first passages read that addresses the reason for the Christmas celebration. But what we can overlook is that we are the people spoken of by the prophet. We can be those people living in darkness. We can be the ones living in a world that has no hope and no direction.

We can be the people living in the shadow of death, the death of the soul, if we are not aware of the salvation God provides. And when we realize that God has sent Christ to the world to save us, then we can have the light of hope and love brighten our empty and dark souls. We can be filled with joy.

If we will truly honor the holiday and the memory of God’s gift we must be prepared to recognize that gift. We must watch to see God’s love moving in our world today.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Where do you need God’s light in your life?

Recipe for Life 4

2 Timothy 4:1-3

I really hate to be caught short when preparing for meals. I don’t like putting water on to boil just to find out there are no spaghetti noodles. I don’t like getting out lunchmeat only to find out I am out of bread. It is important to be prepared. This is the idea behind the kitchen tip “Keep an extra package of chocolate chips hidden where only the cook knows.”

That same type of preparedness applies to our faith life as well. In this letter to Timothy what things are commanded? What warning is suggested in verse 3?

When I am preparing for a Sunday service I have all week to gather my Scriptures, choose the hymns, plan the activities and so on. I am rarely caught off guard on Sundays. But there are times when someone is need and I must respond in a moment’s notice.

In these cases I can’t afford to be caught lacking. When I am confronted with someone who has a spiritual or emotional need I must be ready to respond.

But that same requirement extends to all of us. It is not just pastors who should be ready to respond to the needs of others.

Each one of us should obey what is commanded to Timothy. We must be prepared at all times to share the Gospel message, to offer guidance and correction, and to offer assistance.

We already live in such times as those refereed to in verse 3. So many people have turned to messages of false hope. They have begun listening to teachers who offer pleasing advice and encouragement, words that are not truly based on Biblical teaching.

It is up to each one of us as followers of Christ to be equipped with the truth. We need to be prepared for unexpected opportunities to offer the message of Christ and the correction of Godly instruction.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Do you have spiritual “chocolate chips” of faith ready to be shared?

Patient in Affliction 3

Luke 12:35-37

No matter how tired I am I can not rest unless I am prepared for what needs to be done. I can not relax on Saturday night unless I am sure that I have all that I will need for Sunday’s service. Weeknights are the same; I can’t rest until I at least have a list of what must get done the next day. Knowing that I have gathered all that I need or have prepared myself and gotten organized to the best of my abilities helps avoid anxiety.

We can avoid fear by being spiritually prepared. In this passage from Luke Jesus is giving an example of how we are to be watchful for the Lord. What are the instructions? To whom is Christ compared in verse 36? What twist is presented in verse 37?

The image of Jesus as the bridegroom is common in the Gospels. It presents a picture of a loving relationship. It also creates a comparison that most of Jesus’ listeners were familiar with. Those attending the groom had to wait patiently for him. They had to be ready so that whenever the groom appeared they could serve him. To be unprepared meant to risk the success of the wedding.

So it is with our faith. We need to establish that relationship with God now. We need to work on perfecting ourselves in Christ now. We are not supposed to wander blindly through life turning to God only when things get desperate. Nor can we abandon our faith when things get tough.

We need to be patient with our faith. One way to be patient, to avoid fear and worry, is to know that our faith is strong. We should be spiritually dressed and ready for service to God. Is your heart in a place where you are prepared to help God’s kingdom even when society seems to be in turmoil?

We need to keep our spiritual lamps burning. We should be a beacon of light and hope to others who do not have the depth of faith we have. Is your spiritual light of hope and love shining in these dark times?

How can we dress our souls for service? How can we keep our own lights burning? We do so by applying ourselves to our faith – by examining the word of God, by searching for understanding in the teachings of Jesus, and by holding firmly to our faith. We also need to be persistent and diligent in our prayer life.

We also dress for service by watching for need in others. We should be observant to the troubles others may be going through and be prepared – physically, emotionally and spiritually – to step in with help and encouragement. We can also be an example of strength and confidence, exhibiting that faith in God which keeps us joyful in hope and patient in affliction. When we do that we shine our lights for others to see.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do now to keep your spiritual lamp burning?

Prepared 5

1 Thessalonians 5:8-9

It is surprising how many jobs and activities require a type of uniform. Certainly those workers who must wear the same type of outfit as co-workers, often with their name and company logo on them, are people who have uniforms. Those in the military, those who serve in hospitals or in laboratories certainly have specific clothes to wear. Our children have sports uniforms in the school colors that they wear. Even farmers and those who work outdoors have certain clothes they wear for the job they will do.

It may not seem like it, but even a pastor has a uniform – often a nice shirt, tie, maybe a suit jacket.

In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians he talks about being prepared for the coming of the Lord. He encourages them to be watchful. As people who “belong to the day” – that is, walk in the light of God – what are we to do? What uniform should we wear? What is God’s intention for us?

There are many who complain about having to conform to standards and bemoan losing one’s individuality, but uniforms – no matter what form they take – can be useful. As I dress for church I am aware that I am preparing to do my best and that I am going to a special gathering. My clothes help me remember my responsibility.

Casual Fridays in previous occupations were intended to help employees feel more relaxed, ultimately so they may work better. But I found that when I dressed to relax my attitude was relaxed and my job performance was poor.

As uncomfortable as a uniform – or shirt and tie – may seem, it helps us to get into the spirit of what we will do.

The same is true of our attitude in dealing with God. God intends for us to receive salvation. He intends for us to receive His grace and goodness.

But how can we be prepared to receive from God when our spiritual attitude has become lax? How can we be alert to doing God’s will if we have allowed ourselves to become distracted by worldly or selfish things?

Our “uniform” as Christian believers is self-control, faith and hope. These are the things we must “put on” so that we are prepared to serve God and to be in communion with Him.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you put on your Christian uniform?

Prepared 4

Revelation 22:17-21

I receive a great deal of flyers and notices and invitations to workshops in the mail. Most of them now-days have as part of the invitation an explanation – “Who should come to this? Those wanting deeper understanding of the Bible.” Or “Those who need to learn the tax laws,” and so on.

This is an attempt to avoid wasting your time and their time. If you fall into such and such a category you should come. If not, this might not be for you.

But the Bible ends with a broad invitation from God. Who offers the invitation? Who echoes it? Who should come?

What warning is presented in verses 18 and 19? What promise does Jesus make?

We are all invited to come to God, to take part in His love and mercy. Who should come? All of us. Who invites us? The Holy Spirit and “the bride.”

The bride of Christ is the church, that body of believers who follow the teaching of Jesus and who are obedient to the will of God. And so, we who believe in God should join with the Holy Spirit and invite all to come to the Lord’s table. Then all who hear the good news of salvation, who hear about the cleansing love and power of God, should also take up the invitation.

God’s goodness is open to all who thirst for that goodness, who hunger for mercy and holiness. All those in need of healing, spiritual rejuvenation, spiritual strength and solace, are invited to freely partake in God’s love – His gift of new life.

Since the Holy Spirit joins together with the bride – that is, the church – then church worship is an opportunity to wash our robes, to cleanse our souls, to prepare to accept Christ’s invitation. So, how do you respond to this invitation to worship? Do you enter in with a heart desiring to connect with God? Do you take part in worship with a heart desiring to invite others to join in this goodness of God?

The Spirit says, “Come!” Will you as the bride or as one who hears also say, “Come”? Will you take freely of the water of life, and will you bring others to this wellspring of love?

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you prepare yourself to receive and offer an invitation?

Prepared 3

Revelation 22:12-16

An apparent trend in bigger cities is people going to clubs, waiting in line and hoping they will be the ones selected as “hip” and “trendy” enough to enter in. They hope that they will be the ones acceptable enough to be granted entrance into this exclusive gathering.

Fortunately for us we are offered an even better banquet and party than these clubs. Our invitation is to come to the table of God and enjoy the wonderful mercy and graciousness of our eternal Father. And it isn’t how we look or how we dress or how we stand that will get us in. Instead, it is what is in our hearts that grants us entrance into this incredible experience of communion with God.

But what are the details of our invitation? How are we to be prepared?

Today’s passage speaks to that. What is Jesus bringing with him? How does Christ describe himself? Who is allowed in? Who is left outside? Where do we get this information (verse 16)?

Through the author of Revelation Jesus is communicating to all believers. He proclaims that he is coming. Again, we can look at this as the second coming of Christ, the Rapture, the Apocalypse, the end of time.

But we can also view this on a personal level. Perhaps Jesus is coming to each one of us individually when we are ready to accept him as Savior. This would help explain Matthew 24:36 – that no one knows the day or hour.

Regardless of your personal interpretation of what is meant, the fact remains that only those who “wash their robes” have the right to the tree of life. And Jesus is not talking about outer garments. It is not important what we wear, but what is in our hearts and souls.

Have we washed the robes of our hearts? Have we cleansed our souls? Are we prepared to accept the invitation of God to be in His presence?

We must be prepared to receive Christ in whatever manner he comes to us. We must set our hearts and minds on the kingdom of God. We must make our hearts humble and contrite before the Lord, accept his invitation, and allow ourselves to be transformed by our relationship with him. Then we will be prepared to enter in to the banquet and sit at the Lord’s table.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you “wash your robes” to prepare yourself for God’s table?

Prepared 2

Matthew 25:1-13

Weather during spring soccer meets in our area can be deceptive. I have gone to watch our daughter play when the sun is shining and I think the evening will be warm. But then the wind picks up and I end up huddling in my lawn chair looking with envy at the other parents who came prepared. They have warm blankets, hooded sweatshirts and even a thermos of coffee or cocoa. And I wish I had been prepared.

Today’s passage is one of Jesus’ parables to explain about the kingdom of God. Who are the people involved? What do half of them do? What do the others fail to do? What is the end result of those who are foolish?

The story is simple. Five virgins (or bridesmaids or young women) are prepared for the duty that is in front of them. They have thought ahead and planned ahead. They are prepared.

The other five haven’t prepared themselves for what is to come. As a result they will be left out of the final reward, the celebration, the banquet of abundance that has been provided.

We, of course, are to be like the wise virgins. We may not need to have extra jars of oil, but we need to be prepared.

What are we to be prepared for? The coming of Christ. We need to be spiritually and emotionally ready for the return of Jesus. We should also be ready at all times to do the work of Christ in the world.

While it is wise to ready our souls for the end of days and our eternal reward, we should also ready ourselves as Christians to live as Christians, to serve as Christians and to honor the Lord. We should not be caught sleeping. We can’t let our spiritual fervor and dedication to the service of God fall asleep or become listless.

Nor can we be caught without all the things we need. The oil for our lamps is a deep understanding of God’s message and Christ’s teaching. The things we need are a heart ready to love, a mouth ready to give praise, lips ready to share the good news of salvation, and hands ready to offer help to those in need.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How much oil do you have?

Prepared 1

Revelation 22:1-5

As I have watched my own mother grow older and seen family friends reach retirement, I have been witness to these individuals reaping the rewards of careful investments and disciplined saving. They are able to have a secure life in later years thanks to an accumulation of many years of money management. They have worked for years to be prepared for this time.

This passage from Revelation is a description of what the writer has seen to be awaiting the faithful in heaven. What was the river like? What grew on each side? What problems will be taken away? What will be done?

For many years I was afraid to read Revelation because I expected horrible images and descriptions of torment and torture. I believe many others may shy away from this conclusion to the Bible for the same reason.

But in fact there are many assurances of all the goodness we can expect and hope to receive from God. Our fate, if we are faithful believers and followers of Christ's teachings and God's commands, is a beautiful reward of comfort and peace.

The caveat is our being faithful and obedient. How can we receive the great reward God has for us if we are not prepared now and always to honor God's commands and follow the teachings of Christ?

These images and promises of healing and goodness await us at the end of time if we can prepare our hearts and souls now for God's kingdom. But I also believe we can experience such bliss in our lives today if we can prepare ourselves to take part in God's table of abundance.

We must prepare ourselves to be in communion with God by ridding ourselves of our sinful nature and sinful desires. We must discipline ourselves to live out the teachings of Christ, and in so doing we will feel the healing that comes from the tree of life.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you prepare yourself to live a more Christian life?