Are we Prepared for the Presence of God?

Preparing for the Presence of God


"Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight ....
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. "
(Luke 3:4, 6)

If we are to receive the powerful presence of God, we must prepare ourselves as John the Baptist lead the way to prepare the people of this time for the arrival of Jesus Christ.  Are you ready?  Prepared?  I pray we head the message from John the Baptist, God's messenger,  to help people from his time to our current time, to receive the Savior of the world. 

John preached unwavering: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matt. 3:2). 
Those who heard John's message and prepared their lives recognized Jesus when He came, and they left all to follow Him. This was especially true of the disciples, whose hearts God Himself prepared (Matt. 16:17). 

Preparation must precede God's presence!

God's instruction, as was John the Baptist, for preparation is specific: REPENT!
This involves a complete change of mind, heart, will, and our behavior toward him.  

He is Lord, and your life must be prepared to receive Him as your Lord. Anything less... is inadequate. Some were obviously unprepared to follow Jesus and missed the opportunity. (Luke 9:57-62). The religious leaders of Jesus' day were largely unprepared for His arrival. They knew the Messiah was coming. They even knew where He would be born. (Matt. 2:4-6). Yet... when word came that the Savior had been born, they made no effort to join Him, preferring instead their religious ritual. How about you?  Are you going to be like them?  Knowing but unwilling... to be prepared, as we go here and there, do this and do that, with being preoccupied in all of our daily activities, events, commitments, etc.

Please permit this being said...if you and I allow ourselves to be unprepared...we can and will miss the opportunity to experience Jesus. Consider this a warning...much like John the Baptist.  

You may practice religion, but you will miss God. 

While others encounter the Lord personally in worship, your heart will remain unmoved. 

As others receive a fresh word from God, you will experience a painful silence. 

Others thirst and hunger for His word daily, seek opportunity to serve him, as Jesus served us...Yet! Others travel with blinders...as one looks into a mirror...we focus on ourselves...instead of others.  We need and must, not only prepare ourselves, but help others to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.  Are we prepared to celebrate his birthday?  Are we prepared to welcome Him into our daily conduct, demeanor and become the beacon for others to see?

Religious activity can never substitute for a heart that is pure before Him.

As John the Baptist...prepared others for Jesus coming...let's prepare ourselves and others for Jesus presence as we celebrate His birthday...his presence in our and others lives, and his presence to come...the "Second Coming".

Stay tuned...my next message to follow soon...as we celebrate Christmas...but What IF CHRIST HAD NOT COME?

Also expect more seasonal recipes in days ahead.

I pray you to enjoy many blessings this Christmas and always.

Your Brother in Christ