Preparing The Way

What are you doing to prepare yourself for the coming of the Lord?

Are there specific steps or rituals that you follow to prepare your hearts and minds for Christ? As a Christian there are two times that come to mind when we prepare ourselves. The first is during this Advent season as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth and the second is for the second coming of the Lord.

This morning I visualize us waiting with anticipation for his coming, are you ready?

They say he will come like a thief in the night. I'm curious how you feel when you hear this, does this concern or worry you? If so, can you share why.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

The biggest concern for me is that my heart and mind will not be aligned with Gods when he comes, so I find myself taking inventory of my thoughts & motives more often. I try to understand what it is I'm struggling with or what lesson God wants me to learn from an experience and than try to release any bitterness I feel.

It's hard to be human isn't it? If we are honest, it can be exhausting at times, we struggle financially, physically (our health) or even spiritually, we endure hardships & judgments. Sometimes conflicts arise within our churches & families and yet we are supposed to be an example of God's love to others which can be difficult to do at times, especially when we've been hurt. But God tells us to keep forgiving others just as he forgives us and by doing so, we are actually preparing ourselves for his coming because we are getting right with him.

I encourage you to read Isaiah 40:1-11 but the verses below especially stuck out to me.

Isaiah 40:3-5

A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

I love how Advent season is broken into four weeks where they focus on: Hope (or promise), Preparation (waiting or prophecy), Joy (peace), Love (adoration). My prayer is that you will focus on these as you prepare your hearts, minds & souls for God's work within you.

Malachi 3:1-4

See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come, says the Lord Almighty. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.

Friends, we should be excited for His second coming, don't allow satan to keep you stuck in your negative thoughts, continuously prepare your hearts and minds for Christ's coming and you will have nothing to worry about because you have been preparing for his arrival all along. May God fill you with his peace that surpasses all understanding!

Exodus 23:20-22

See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime