State of Readiness Read John 14:1-6 Encouragement for the day – “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:3 ESV Since I have become a volunteer firefighter I find myself walking around in a state of readiness. I always have my sneakers on, even inside my house, my keys in my pocket and my truck backed into the driveway. When a call comes in I am ready to respond. It is equally important to make sure that all of the equipment at the station is in working order. Our department would look foolish if we needed a particular piece of equipment, had the equipment available but it didn’t work when needed. Being in a state of readiness also means being prepared for any type of incident. Training is important for today’s first responders; it is hard to be ready when you haven’t practiced. When I worked in Washington, DC every time there was news of a possible terror attack we were sure to drill on those types of emergencies. Some 2,000 years ago Jesus made a promise that He was going to return to the earth one day. Christians often refer to this as the second coming of Christ. II Peter 3:10 describes that day as like a thief coming in the night, one never knows when it will happen. We don’t know exactly when Jesus will come back, it could be soon and we need to be in a state of readiness. I heard a message by a pastor one Sunday who encouraged us to plan as if Christ’s return was in the distant future, but to conduct our lives as if He was coming back this afternoon. Christian firefighters often prepare for emergencies yet neglect the preparation needed to live a life that is pleasing to God. We can be ready by faithfully reading, studying and obeying the truths contained in the Bible. I am ready, how about you? Lord, help me daily live for you that I might not be ashamed at Your coming. Encouragement, the art of lifting others up!!
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 10:01:01 +0000