Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. Amos 4:12
Suppose that today Christ should appear in the clouds of heaven, who . . . would be ready to meet Him? Suppose we should be translated into the kingdom of heaven just as we are. Would we be prepared to unite with the saints of God, to live in harmony with the royal family, the children of the heavenly King? What preparation have you made for the judgment? Have you made your peace with God? Are you laboring together with God? Are you seeking to help those around you, those in your home, those in your neighborhood, those with whom you come in contact that are not keeping the commandments of God? . . . Are we getting ready to meet the King? . . .
If it were possible for us to be admitted into heaven as we are, how many of us would be able to look upon God? How many of us have on the wedding-garment? How many of us are without spot or wrinkle or any such thing? How many of us are worthy to receive the crown of life? . . . Position does not make the man. It is Christ formed within that makes a man worthy of receiving the crown of life, that fadeth not away.
I was pointed to the remnant on the earth. The angel said to them, “Will ye shun the seven last plagues? . . . If so, ye must die that ye may live. Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye must have a greater preparation than ye now have. . . . Sacrifice all to God. Lay all upon His altar–self, property, and all, a living sacrifice. It will take all to enter glory.”
Christ is coming with power and great glory. He is coming with His own glory and with the glory of the Father. . . . While the wicked flee from His presence, Christ’s followers will rejoice. . . . To His faithful followers Christ has been a daily companion and familiar friend. They have lived in close contact, in constant communion with God. Upon them the glory of the Lord has risen. . . . Now they rejoice in the undimmed rays of the brightness and glory of the King in His majesty. They are prepared for the communion of heaven; for they have heaven in their hearts.
If you are right with God today, you are ready if Christ should come today.
Maranatha p. 98
“““““““““““““““““““““`
Prayer Requests
——I have applied to two jobs that I would like to have in an area where I would like to live. Please pray that I get one of those jobs. RJ
“““““““““““““““““““““““`
Dear Friends,
Some years ago, Ronnie Jay was out in our yard and noticed a fairly large hole. He began exploring this hole that was about as big around as his fist. It looked like some kind of animal’s grassy nest. We were not sure what made it. One thing we knew. It was not from the snake he had found evidence of one summer a few years before. He had been mowing the grass then and had found part of a snakeskin about three feet long. It was incomplete so we knew the snake was much longer and very large.
If Ronnie Jay had not found the small animal nest or that shed skin, we never would have known about these visitors. Just as they gave witness to something having been in our yard, so we should leave evidence wherever we go. Even though we may not realize it, we have touched the lives of those around us. Are they any closer to God because of our presence? “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” Isa 43:10,11
John the Baptist is a good example of this principle. His whole life witnessed to the work given Him by God. From his birth he was set aside for this special work. The disciple John speaks of him, “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:6-9 John the Baptist did not live a life of ease. He even separated himself from the temptations of the day and dwelt in the wilderness. Although he lived in a solitary place, people went out to the wilderness to hear him. “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea , And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem , and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan , And were baptized of him in Jordan , confessing their sins. . . .I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” Matt Matt 3:1-11 Jesus, speaking of John, said, “This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:27, 28
We, too, have the opportunity of proclaiming the coming of Jesus. Most are not called to live in such austerity as was John, but all proclaim the one who has our heart. We cannot hide the evidence of who is our master any more than the animals could hide the evidence of their presence in my yard.
May others take “knowledge of [us], that [we have] been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 May we leave evidence of our walk with God wherever we go. May we lead those we meet to the foot of the cross, that they may receive the grace and blessing and eternal life that our Great Redeemer longs to impart.
Rose