Be Watching

I had a dream not long ago about the Lord’s return. It was so real, I awoke startled. It was all I could think about for the next few weeks. I felt such a sense of urgency and anticipation.

I have asked the Lord to keep this dream fresh in my mind as I go about my days. I don’t want to become complacent and push His return to the back of my mind. I encourage you, too, to be looking for Him every day.

Be Ready

Stop for a moment and think about how you go through your days. Ask yourself these vital questions:

• How am I spending my time? Am I spending enough quality time with the Lord each day, studying His Word and talking to Him?
• Am I giving Him time to speak to me?
• Have I invited the Holy Spirit to examine my heart and reveal areas where I need to forgive and be forgiven…to be refreshed… and to allow my mind to be renewed?
• Do I honor and obey His covenants and commandments?
• Am I willing to ask God to use me to be His hands and heart to make a real difference in someone’s life?

These are important things you must consider if you want to be truly ready for the Lord’s return.

Be Doing

To be about our “Father’s business” (Luke 2:49) could include so many different things, but most importantly, it means putting His agenda ahead of our own. It’s so easy to make our “to do” list and jump right into it without even stopping to ask the Lord what He wants us to do each day. I know I’m guilty of that, and I have to remind myself daily that I am a disciple of Christ.

Remember: We belong to God. We are His servants. And although it may be difficult to think of ourselves as servants, the truth is that we have been bought with a price, and we are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:20). Because of this, we should be at the Lord’s beck and call whenever—and for whatever—He would like.

The Lord Loves You!

If your life doesn’t yet look like what I have described here, please don’t feel overwhelmed. This maturing process is just a part of our journey with the Lord as we increasingly allow Him to have complete leadership over every area of our life. It takes time, willingness, and most of all, it takes trust.

I want to close with Psalm 23, one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. It’s a great encouragement for whatever we are going through. Just remember, my friend, the Lord holds your life in His hands, and He loves you with an everlasting love.

The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Praise His holy name!

Love to you, dear one.