How can we prioritize spiritual readiness in our daily lives? A day called Preparation Luke 23:54: “It was the Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was beginning.” In history’s final Friday before the Resurrection, faithful disciples hurried to finish their tasks before sundown. Their urgency shows that readiness is completed before the moment of need, never during it. • Daylight is limited, so preparation cannot be postponed. • Readiness honors God’s pattern—work first, rest later. • Outer order points to the inner posture God desires. Spiritual readiness defined • Living in conscious alignment with the clear teaching of Scripture. • Continual repentance that keeps the conscience tender (Acts 3:19). • A will surrendered for immediate obedience (Romans 12:1). Daily habits that build readiness Scripture intake • Read, meditate, and store verses in memory. Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” • Plan reading before the day’s “sundown,” not after energy is spent. Prayerful dependence • Begin mornings with deliberate submission to the Spirit’s filling (Ephesians 5:18). • Scatter brief petitions throughout the day, in step with 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Ordered living • Schedule tasks so worship and fellowship are never leftovers. • Use calendar reminders labeled “Preparation” to keep eternity in view. Sabbath rhythm • Guard a weekly period for gathered worship and rest, mirroring the disciples’ respect for the Sabbath. • Prepare on Saturday evening—clothes, Bible, heart—so Sunday starts uncluttered. Guarding the heart and mind • Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” • Refuse input that dulls spiritual sensitivity; choose media that feeds faith. • Trade anxiety for thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7); peace sharpens alertness. Living watchfully for Christ’s return • Luke 12:35-36: “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” • Keep short accounts with God; unconfessed sin quenches the lamp. • Engage in evangelism and missions, occupying until He comes (Matthew 28:19-20). Encouraging one another in readiness • Hebrews 10:24-25 calls believers to assemble and spur each other on. • Share testimonies that refresh hope and vigilance. • Welcome accountability about Scripture intake and obedience. Final encouragement The sun is moving toward the horizon. By grace we still have daylight to set our affairs in order, keep lamps filled with oil, and stand ready to step from preparation into eternal rest when the Lord appears. |
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