Preparation

We prepare for many things in this world; school, careers, choice of spouse, kids, retirement to name a few. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. God is preparing a most heavenly, eternal dwelling for those who are obedient followers. I have now learned, albeit the hard way, that scriptures will prepare us for the trials we will face in this life-and we will face them! I was cruising through a blessed life, probably becoming too content as if life would always be good. Oh if I had only PREPARED more by steeping my life with God’s word instead of it usually collecting dust through the week-only to pick it up for church services! I would have been better equipped to face a series of trials that have been very hurtful. As I said earlier, I have learned the hard way-sort of back tracking and now reading the Bible regularly to fill my life with a comforting peace in order to better handle the existing challenges and those that will follow. The scriptures tell us that God knows what we need and will not place on us more than we can handle. Sometimes I feel as though God finds me capable of handling more than I think I can withstand. The little things that frustrated me in the past seem as folly now. While God disciplines because He loves us, just as we do our own children, it is painful-yet will make us better(1 Peter 4:12-13, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed", see also James 1:2-5). The past three years have been a much needed spiritual awakening for me-while difficult, scripture says to count these trials as blessings and be joyous-that God cares enough. A tough love from above! Are you preparing for life’s trials? Take it from me- do not wait until they hit, I’m confident that your PREPARATION will be a blessing. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Time to sow

Time…..a precious gift that I often take for granted!!! We live our lives as if there will always be more to follow. Scripture tells us that we are not guaranteed a tomorrow. As I have gotten a little older, I reflect on how I have spent my time in the past and how I can do better. My biggest area of concern has been-‘how many people am I showing/sharing Jesus?’ Our lives here are given by God to serve others and worship Him. Am I sowing as God would have me? Are my actions of sowing/sharing Jesus pleasing in His sight? A constant battle. Time is fleeting, I desire to be a faithful/obedient and productive child of God as I strive to sow. I hope this is a gentle reminder that causes each one to reflect/re-examine things that are temporary-yet chew up our precious time, versus those that have an eternal impact. Plant some godly seeds each day!!! 2 Cor. 4:18, "There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever." Blessings in your pursuit.......TO