spiritualsnippets.com

Seeing life's events in the light of God's Word.

The Year of Preparation

1 Peter 3:15- “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”

NBC put together a tribute to fifty-three celebrities and public figures who died in 2023. Complete with music by famous singers and songwriters, the video lasted about five minutes.

There were hundreds who lost their lives in combat, car wrecks, shootings, accidents, and disease this year, also.

In 2023, suicides were the highest they’ve ever been.

A new television commercial came out just last week, asking viewers if they were sure they’d go to Heaven when they died. It offered a phone number to call if they’d like to talk to someone.

As Christians, we need to ask ourselves how we would answer that question if someone asked us why we have the assurance of going to Heaven when we die. Can we confidently lead someone to the Lord? Can we explain why we place our belief in God’s Holy Word? Can we help someone pray the Sinner’s Prayer? 

As the “End Times” loom closer on the horizon, I feel the urgency of leading others to Christ. The Bible tells us to be ready when the Lord returns. I believe part of that is helping ready our friends and neighbors.

Will you join me and make 2024 the year of preparation?

Leave a comment »

Prepare Your Heart to Seek God

2 Chronicles 19:30– “Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.”

Gifts wrapped. Check.

Cookies baked. Check.

Christmas letter written. Check.

Tree trimmed. Check.

Preparations.

All year long we prepare for

Birthday parties.

Meals.

Exams.

Food drives.

Company.

The Bible tells us how the Israelites prepared for their journey into the Promised Land, Noah prepared for the flood by building the Ark, Solomon prepared to build the temple, the people prepared for the passover, and Mary for the birth of Jesus.

The Bible also tells us that we must prepare our hearts to seek God.

Not just at Christmas.

But every day.

Like David. Like King Jehoshaphat.

What does that look like, in real life, in the twenty-first century?

Perhaps it looks no different than it did back then: coming before the Lord in quiet contemplation, emptying our thoughts of the hustle and bustle of preparations and coming quietly before Him…

with praise on our lips

with thanksgiving in our hearts

with souls ready to be filled.

Expectantly.

Jubilantly.

 

With a desire to know Him.

 

The babe in a manger.

The Savior on a cross.

The Lord of All.

Leave a comment »