We don’t know when; are YOU ready?

 

Matthew 24:36
36 But of that day and hour, knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. KJV BibleGateway

Matthew 25:1, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. KJV BibleGateway

How do we prepare for something that we know WILL happen, yet do not know when?  Always be alert, focus, focus, focus! Just as in the time of Noah, God gave Noah specific instructions. Noah had never seen rain nor floods, so how could he prepare without God’s leading? Moses led the people of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land. How could he? How could Moses accomplish this overwhelming task without the guidance of God? Both of these great leaders talked with God. Today, we talk with God by prayer, meditation and obedience. 

As I read the LifePrinciples Daily Bible reading for February 7 pages 164-169, my God demonstrate how much He wants to be involved in my life. In Exodus 25:1-26:37, God specifically calls and equips us for His service.  In Exodus God provided plans to build a physical tabernacle for Him to dwell amount His people. Now, this tabernacle is our body. God in the form of the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer in Jesus Christ. Am I following His plan for His tabernacle? Psalm 19:7-14 starts with “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul…” and ends with “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”  In Proverbs 6:32-35, I read about lacking sense, Jealousy enrages, and destroying self.  Matthew 24:1-28 compares the temple buildings with the kingdom of Christ. Read 24:12-13 “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” Again in Matthew 25:13, we read “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour."

God wants an intimate relationship with YOU and ME! We were created for this purpose. Is your or my rebellion halting this intimacy? God wants to be intimate and LORD, involved in every aspect of your and my life. The world system is attempting to direct us to think globally; God directs us think individually. Is this my goal? EVERY person is important! EVERY person was created in the image of God to fulfill His individual purpose. What is this individual purpose? First accept Jesus Christ as personal LORD and SAVIOR. Allow Him to guide and direct your life moment by moment.
Are YOU ready, prepare now, read John 3:16. Read, study, meditate, and focus on Jesus Christ as YOUR personal LORD and Savior.

Our Way or God's Way

EXODUS 2:11-25

   Whenever challenges come into our life, there are two ways we can respond: God's way or our way. Moses is an example of a man who, on separate occasions, tried out both options. In today's passage, we see him taking matters into his own hands. Although his motives were pure - namely, the relief of one Hebrew man's suffering - his method was wrong. Moses made three mistakes.

1. He focused on the difficulty. How often have you and I done the same thing?The unfairness or pain of a situation grabs our attention and in our desire for a solution, we forget our all-powerful God.
2. He relied on his own strength and understanding. When a problem arises, the most natural response is to do what we can to make it right. However, God wants us to rely on Him, not on ourselves.
3. He acted impulsively. If a situation seems urgent, fixing the problem as fast as possible becomes our top priority. In our hastiness, we forgo waiting on the Lord.

   We've all followed Moses' example at some point and suffered the consequences of self-reliance. But God didn't reject Moses or cancel His plans for him. Instead, He refined the future leader's character through trials and gave him another chance. The Lord will do the same for us.
Stanley, Charles F. In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. February 2016. Atlanta. page 8.

In the name of Jesus, I refuse to be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs]. I submit to transformation by the [entire] renewal of my mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that I may prove [for myself] what is Your good and acceptable and perfect will, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [n Your sight for me]. My path is growing brighter and brighter until it reaches the full light of day as I follow You. Thank You, Father that Jesus was made unto me wisdom. Confusion is far from me. I trust in You and lean not to my own understanding. As I acknowledge You in all my ways, You direct my paths. I believe that as I trust in You completely, You will show me the path of life. Amen.
Romans 12:2; Proverbs 4:18; Proverbs 3:5-6
Copeland, Germaine. Prayers that avail much: A 365 Day Devotional & Journal. Tulsa, OK: Harrison House. 2010. page 36.