Are You Prepared?

"Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let the day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:34-36

Last night at church, my friend Mike Coronati brought the message. He did an awesome job. His first question was, "Are you prepared to meet Jesus face to face? Either by it being your time to go to Heaven, or His coming back."

We spend a lot of time planning things in our lives. Meals, trips, weekend activities, stuff at work, you name it, and chances are some form of planning has gone into it.

In the Bible, we see several people who planned. Noah had to prepare and plan to build the ark like God told him to. Joseph prepared and planned for the 7 year famine that was coming to Egypt. Jesus had the 12 disciples. I like how Mike said, "Jesus wasn't just hanging out with them. He was preparing them so they could fulfill the Great Commission."

Proverbs 16:9 says, "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."

We should have prayer and preparation over prediction and planning. We can make plans, but be sure we are following God with those plans.

Mike's three points were:

1. Be Biblically sound: hide His Word in your heart. The Word helps us combat life. Jesus resisted the devil's temptations by quoting Scripture, we can too.
2. Be Spiritually sound: Romans 8:6 says, "So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace." WOW!
3. Place the full armor of God on EVERY single day: Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us the armor, but I really liked how Mike broke it down

The Belt of truth holds everything in place.

The Breastplate of righteousness covers your heart

Shoes of peace and preparation lets you step without fear and be guided by God. (The enemy wants you to live in fear.)

The Shield of faith quenches ALL the firey darts, not a few, not some, but ALL.

The helmet of salvation protects your mind. And there is so much in today's world to protect it from.

Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, trust in God's Word.

Then, he ended with one of my very favorite Scriptures!

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10

God Himself is a planner. He has a plan for your life.

So, don't just live your life as a SAVED person. Live your life in planning and preparation to meet Jesus face to face one day.

Tell others about Him. Live for Him daily. Grow in knowledge and truth. Let Him guide you through life instead of trying to do it on your own. 

He loves you so much.

God bless you today and always.