Preparation
Preparation for the Season – Part -1-
In seeing this title, the first thing we may think about is “Christmas”, because it is the season that we celebrate the birth of Jesus. But what is the first thing you think about when you hear the word “Christmas”?
- Is it presents that must be purchased?
- Is it decorating that must be done?
- Are you hosting the family this year or planning the holiday parties?
- How many “to do” lists are running through your mind, or how many different lists are in your daily organizer?
Recently, a Sunday School lesson challenged us about making room for Jesus, for after all, we wouldn’t be celebrating this season without Him. It begs the question, “Where does Jesus lie in our devotion to Him during this time, what priority have we made Him in our “to do” list?” If we are honest, maybe none of us can say Jesus has remained number one during the holidays. “Preparations” for many of us begin with Thanksgiving and usually go through the new year and has always been filled with more activities than we can attend. Many of us are pulled in so many ways and in so many directions, that we are more than overwhelmed and can lack peace and joy in our own lives, let alone fulfill the loneliness in others (whom we are to show the love of Jesus to). Yet, we persevere in our own strength to only complicate the days ahead. For without spending time in God’s presence, we hinder the Holy Spirit in accomplishing what God intends for us. “Doing” in our own strength results in frustration, impatience, anger, etc. “Doing” in the strength of the Lord will bring joy, peace, hope, gratitude, love, etc. Upon noticing the diversity of these lists, which list would God prefer we exemplify? We know the answer, so may we do better in devoting more time to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May we reverence Him in honor of His birth and thank Him for giving us the gift of salvation. May we show our love to Him. How?
Jesus answers this question in Mark 12:29-31:
“The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Jesus also spoke this in:
Revelation 2:23 – …I am He who searches the minds and hearts…
Why would Jesus concern Himself to do this?
- Because He loves us!
- Because He loves you!
The following word descriptions were taken from footnotes Word Wealth in the SFLB:
Mind: “Literally, a thinking through. The word suggests understanding, insight, meditation, reflection, perception, the gift of apprehension, the faculty of thought. When this faculty is renewed by the Holy Spirit, the whole mindset changes from the fearful negativism of the carnal mind to the vibrant, positive thinking of the quickened spiritual mind.”
Heart: “The physical organ of the body, the center of physical life, the seat of one’s personal life (both physical and spiritual), the center of one’s personality, the seat of one’s entire mental and moral activity, containing both rational and emotional elements. It is the seat of feelings, desires, joy, pain and love. It is the seat of feelings, desires, joy pain, and love. It is also the center for thought, understanding, and will. The human heart is the dwelling place of the Lord and the Holy Spirit. The omniscient Lord sees into the innermost being where all decision concerning Him are made.”
- What a magnificent organ. What a magnificent Lord!
As Jesus searches our minds and hearts this Christmas, what is He finding? May we surrender ourselves unto Him for His glory, for His love to be poured into us so that we can love one another as He intends.
As we hear the words peace and joy during this Christmas season, let it be a reminder to surrender – to surrender our all, our problems, our circumstances, our dreams, our goals to the one and only living Savior; for His purposes to be fulfilled within us. May we surrender ourselves to Him to receive His peace, His joy, His love, and to celebrate our Savior, JESUS, this Christmas!
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Preparation for the Season – Part -2-
There is another season we are to prepare for, and that is “The Return of Jesus”. Many sceptics will stop reading right here, but be mindful that God’s Word speaks of Jesus’ return to accept His children unto Him for eternity. That word eternity seems to be lost in these current days, but as Christians we look forward to the day we are accepted into the arms of Jesus and live in our heavenly home to reign with Him forever and ever. We long to ensure our family and friends will join us there and anguish at the thought of them missing heaven due to their lack in judgement. We continue to claim their souls in prayer, believing and trusting in God to soften their hearts before it’s too late. We know that we can only make the choice of salvation for ourselves, but we never lose hope that God remains in control of our loved one’s lives and choices.
As we desire and strive for maturity in Christ, we study and read God’s Word. In so doing, we find scriptures advising us to “Watch and Pray”.
- What are we to watch for? His Return!
- What are we to pray for? That we remain ready and are not deceived in the last days!
May the following scriptures help you understand this season and the need to prepare.
Mark 13:32-37 – “No One Knows the Day or Hour”
32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
Luke 12:40 – Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Revelation 22:12-17 – Jesus Testifies to the Churches
12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
Jesus is our answer!
Open your heart to Him this Christmas!
May God’s Blessings Be Upon You and Yours
This Christmas Season!
Peace, Joy, and Love Be Unto You!
Merry Christmas!
Notes:
- If you are new to this blog, please understand that I have a ministry in discipleship, so I challenge you and encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- All scripture is taken from NKJV unless otherwise noted.
- Words of scripture were intentionally highlighted for significance.
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