Therefore prepare your minds for action; be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ— as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance, but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy; for I am holy.†                1 Peter 1:13-16 (WEB)
As I am writing this, Hurricane Ida is approaching our home town. I have lived on the Gulf Coast for over 30 years now. I have learned what to do to prepare for a hurricane and tropical storms. I have left my home with the knowledge that upon my return there could be nothing left. Praise God, this storm is not going to be like that!
There are ‘hurricane force winds’ in my life. God wants me to be prepared. He gives me tools and knowledge and strength to survive these storms. In fact, He gives me the ability to survive in VICTORY!
How much time do I give in preparation? Is it a priority in my day? Is Jesus really my friend that deserves my time? That question seems rhetorical, doesn’t it? But does my daily schedule reflect my verbal commitment that says I give God the ‘first fruits’ of my time? Or does He get only this ten-minute devotional and a quick “Thanks!†at the end of the day?
Jesus says He loves me enough to rebuke and discipline me, desiring that I repent. He stands knocking at my door, wanting to come in. (Revelation 3) It seems that Jesus is polite, waiting for my invitation to come in and spend time together. Jesus has prepared a lesson for me. His desire is to build me up and encourage me. Yes, there will be correction involved but how awesome is it to be disciplined one-on-one by Jesus who loves me instead of stumbling around in ignorance and self-destruction. Am I willing to have ears to hear? Micah said, God has shown me what is good and what is required of me: to act with justice, love forgiveness, and walk (spend time) humbly with my Lord. (Micah 6:8) THEN I will be prepared for whatever is to come.
