BE READY

by Tammy Phillips
April 24, 2023

“You also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”  (Luk 12:40 CSB)

My husband, Kris and I will celebrate our 30^th wedding anniversary this summer, but more importantly we are expecting our first grandchild.  We have organically postponed a big trip because we want to be ready, present, and around for the arrival of baby Jack.  However, we have planned a couple small trips. 

I am a planner!  When departure day for the trip arrives, I want every detail planned so that I can enjoy the vacation.  I have been preparing  for our get-a-way ever since we determined our destination.  I have tirelessly searched and narrowed down the perfect place to stay. I have booked our flights: the best day, time, and most cost efficient.  I have scheduled parking and booked our rental car.   I have even chosen the restaurants where we will dine and am in the process of making reservations.  I have organized ours daily agenda, even if that means just  sitting on the beach. I do not want to miss anything our destination promises.  I have studied,  prepared and I will soon have a complete itinerary. Our bags will be packed.  I will be ready when departure day arrives so that I can simply enjoy the ride without fretting.

Jesus tells us to BE READY for our departure day and His return.  Have you spent as much time preparing for His return as I have for our trip?   Is your head in the sand ignoring the signs of the times or are you ready?  Do you know the signs that He told us about in the Bible to give us a heads up and make us ready for the journey of a life with Him to paradise?

Jesus says, “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.”  (Mat 25:13 CSB). “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.” (Luk 21:20 NKJV).  “But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”  (Luk 21:28 CSB)

Have you seen the news lately about Israel and the world?   Do you know the “things” Jesus  talks about in Luke 21:28?  Do you care?

I wanted to write about something else , anything else, today, but you know how a song gets stuck in your head?  “Be ready” has been on replay for weeks.

I continue to mess up  in my life, as I have said many times, “I am not perfect.” However, Jesus was, is and will always be perfect.   I am forgiven and made right in Him, alone!  So, I am standing up.  My head is lifted up.  I am watching  and  I am waiting because I know my redemption is near. 

I enCOURAGE you to BE READY.   Get ready because the word of God says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. ⁽²²⁾“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ ⁽²³⁾ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Mat 7:21-23 NKJV).

I want you to KNOW Jesus. I want Jesus to know you.  I want Jesus to know me, and I want to know Him.  I want to know His voice when He makes the call to paradise.  I want to do His will.  I never want to hear Him say, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luk 6:46 NKJV)

In the last book, last chapter and last few verses of the Bible, Jesus tells us, twice, “Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work. … “Yes, I am coming soon.” (Rev 22:12, 20 CSB). Ready or not, He is coming.  Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 

Viva Magenta:  Live. Breath. BE READY!