What practical steps can we take to prepare for God's purposes, like in Luke 22:12? Setting the Scene Luke 22:12: “He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make the preparations there.” Practical Steps for Personal Preparation - Listen for specific direction - Immerse yourself in Scripture daily (Joshua 1:8). - Quiet distractions to discern the Spirit’s prompting (Psalm 46:10). - Trust that God has gone ahead of you - The room was “already furnished.” God provides before He commands (Genesis 22:14). - Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to acknowledge Him and watch Him “make your paths straight.” - Act promptly on what you know - Immediate obedience keeps you in step (James 1:22). - 1 Peter 1:13 urges, “prepare your minds for action.” - Prepare thoroughly, not half-heartedly - Excellence honors God (Colossians 3:23). - 2 Timothy 2:21: “a vessel for honor… prepared for every good work.” - Consecrate both place and heart - Psalm 24:3-4 calls for “clean hands and a pure heart.” - Stay flexible for further instruction - Remain teachable (Proverbs 19:20). Practical Steps for Home and Ministry - Build margin into your calendar for divine interruptions. - Keep a tidy, welcoming space ready for hospitality or prayer gatherings. - Maintain an emergency fund to meet sudden needs (Titus 3:14). - Sharpen your gifts through ongoing training (Ephesians 4:12). Motivation for Whole-Life Readiness Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” |
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