Preparation involves many levels, and layers of understanding, then utilization of HIS WILL, HIS WAYS, and HIS WORD; the main one that we REPENT of our sins, and FOLLOW HIM, which creates A WAY FOR HIM! As long as we cling to the world, or worldly ways, HIS WAY for us is shrouded, clouded, or impeded, and so, we are to HONESTLY repent, then work upon the 'NEW' being we are IN HIM...
When our focus is on everything but THE LORD, HE is far from us; NOT due to HIM, but to our own fault! If we are more involved in what is earthly, then what is HEAVENLY is far beyond our reach, thus, as we 'mature' IN HIM, repentance of the sincerest form IS necessary in order to open the heart, the mind, the body, the spirit TO receiving HIM as HE WORKS in us, through us, and around us...
Long, long ago, the Prophets told of the coming of CHRIST JESUS; of a KING whose rule would be eternal, and absolutely SOVEREIGN; of a SAVIOUR who would save HIS people, defy death, and deny Satan! HE would come, LEAD, forgive, restore, and renew all who would receive HIM! HE would save them from their sins, and GIVE THEM LIFE ETERNAL...
Despite the frequent, and habitual wandering away, and returning to their former ways, every generation since then has looked FORWARD TO THE COMING OF THE LORD, and when moved, begin to prepare FOR HIM! HOPE, FAITH, LOVE, DILIGENCE, FAITHFULNESS, KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, and HONEST DESIRE TOWARDS HIM, are key to 'making straight the way of THE LORD', none of which we can achieve on our own, but WITH HIM, is part of THE PLAN...
In HOLY seasons, we are reminded to dig deeper, and to recognize our NEED for a SAVIOUR, our LORD *GOD*. We are inspired to begin anew, and to FOLLOW HIM more closely, NOT only in thought, or word, but also, in deed, as we meld INTO HIM, HOLINESS, and SHINE OF HIS GLORY...
MANY slack off, as they see no sign of HIS COMING, or they imagine time is on their side, but that is a mistake, and should be reckoned with perpetually, THAT we are now, and then, OF HIM in TRUTH, and in SPIRIT...
May we seek MORE OF HIM, and learn always, that which anchors us TO HIM! May we acknowledge TRUTH, and adhere to HIM, and HIS WILL! May we realize that HE IS COMING, and those who WANT to spend eternity WITH HIM, ought to have been getting ready!!!
2 PETER 3: 8- 18...
8+++But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.
9+++The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
10+++But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.
11+++Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12+++looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!
13+++But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
14+++Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,
15+++and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you,
16+++as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17+++You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,
18+++but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Christians are here taught and established in the truth of the coming of the Lord. Though, in the account of men, there is a vast difference between one day and a thousand years, yet, in the account of God, there is no difference. All things past, present, and future, are ever before him: the delay of a thousand years cannot be so much to him, as putting off any thing for a day or for an hour is to us.
If men have no knowledge or belief of the eternal God, they will be very apt to think him such as themselves. How hard is it to form any thoughts of eternity! What men count slackness, is long-suffering, and that to us-ward; it is giving more time to his own people, to advance in knowledge and holiness, and in the exercise of faith and patience, to abound in good works, doing and suffering what they are called to, that they may bring glory to God.
Settle therefore in your hearts that you shall certainly be called to give an account of all things done in the body, whether good or evil. And let a humble and diligent walking before God, and a frequent judging of yourselves, show a firm belief of the future judgment, though many live as if they were never to give any account at all. This day will come, when men are secure, and have no expectation of the day of the Lord. The stately palaces, and all the desirable things wherein worldly-minded men seek and place their happiness, shall be burned up; all sorts of creatures God has made, and all the works of men, must pass through the fire, which shall be a consuming fire to all that sin has brought into the world, though a refining fire to the works of God's hand. What will become of us, if we set our affections on this earth, and make it our portion, seeing all these things shall be burned up? Therefore make sure of happiness beyond this visible world.
Be prepared to BE whom HE CREATED you to BE! MAKE WAY FOR THE LORD *GOD*: OPEN your heart, mind, and soul, and let your body be ruled BY HIM, then it will be well with your soul!!!
LWINSOR © 2020
BIBLICAL, and/or other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS
No comments:
Post a Comment