As we become more intimate and more personal in our relationship with God, we learn that there are things we must do to prepare ourselves to listen to God, to accept His word for our lives, and to apply His instruction for our lives.
"A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.' " Luke 3:4-6
We need to learn that if we are to receive the powerful presence of God, we must prepare ourselves. John the Baptist was God's messenger to help people prepare to receive the Savior of the world. John preached, "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 to follow Him. This was especially true of the disciples, whose hearts God Himself prepared (Matt 16:17). Preparing ourselves must come before God's presence!
You might ask, "So, how do we prepare ourselves?" I'm glad you asked. God's instruction for preparation is specific: Repentance! The definition of repent is to turn away from. This means that we turn away from our former way of life and turn to our new life in Christ Jesus. This involves a complete change of our mind, heart, will, and behavior toward God. He is Lord, and our life must be prepared to receive Him as our Lord! Anything less is inadequate. Scripture gives us a look at some who were obviously unprepared to follow Jesus and missed the opportunity (Luke 9:57-62). The religious leaders of Jesus' time were also largely unprepared for His arrival. They knew the Messiah was coming. They had the prophecy of His birth. They even knew where He was to be born (Matt 2:4-6). However, when word came that the Savior had been born, they made no effort to join Him. They did not prepare themselves for His presence, insisting on continuing in their religious rituals.
If you are unprepared, you, too, will miss the opportunity to experience Jesus. You may practice religion, you may participate in all the religious rituals of our day, but if you are unprepared, you will miss God. Many Christians will not agree with what I am about to say, and that is fine, but religious activity can never substitute for a heart that is pure before Him. You may read your Bible, you may attend church, you may even be involved in various activities within your church, but so were the Pharisees and they missed Christ. 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. We need to pray as the psalmist did, that God would examine our hearts and reveal our need to repent of our sin.(Psalm 139:23-24). Unrepentant sin will keep us from experiencing God's presence and His blessings for our lives.
May God richly bless you today!! H Trent!
"A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.' " Luke 3:4-6
We need to learn that if we are to receive the powerful presence of God, we must prepare ourselves. John the Baptist was God's messenger to help people prepare to receive the Savior of the world. John preached, "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 to follow Him. This was especially true of the disciples, whose hearts God Himself prepared (Matt 16:17). Preparing ourselves must come before God's presence!
You might ask, "So, how do we prepare ourselves?" I'm glad you asked. God's instruction for preparation is specific: Repentance! The definition of repent is to turn away from. This means that we turn away from our former way of life and turn to our new life in Christ Jesus. This involves a complete change of our mind, heart, will, and behavior toward God. He is Lord, and our life must be prepared to receive Him as our Lord! Anything less is inadequate. Scripture gives us a look at some who were obviously unprepared to follow Jesus and missed the opportunity (Luke 9:57-62). The religious leaders of Jesus' time were also largely unprepared for His arrival. They knew the Messiah was coming. They had the prophecy of His birth. They even knew where He was to be born (Matt 2:4-6). However, when word came that the Savior had been born, they made no effort to join Him. They did not prepare themselves for His presence, insisting on continuing in their religious rituals.
If you are unprepared, you, too, will miss the opportunity to experience Jesus. You may practice religion, you may participate in all the religious rituals of our day, but if you are unprepared, you will miss God. Many Christians will not agree with what I am about to say, and that is fine, but religious activity can never substitute for a heart that is pure before Him. You may read your Bible, you may attend church, you may even be involved in various activities within your church, but so were the Pharisees and they missed Christ. 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. We need to pray as the psalmist did, that God would examine our hearts and reveal our need to repent of our sin.(Psalm 139:23-24). Unrepentant sin will keep us from experiencing God's presence and His blessings for our lives.
May God richly bless you today!! H Trent!
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