Are You Ready?

But you also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. ~ Matthew 24:44 NLT
 
Wednesday, February 17th, marks the first day of Lent. Many Christian traditions use this forty days before Easter to prepare for the coming of the Lord Jesus. Jesus repeatedly warned his followers that they must be ready, prepared for his return. That preparation may be a lifelong maturing process, but it is well worth it.

I have found Lent is a good time to clean and update my spiritual house so I can receive more of Jesus now. As I do, I also ponder the sacrifice Jesus made for me and all that it means to me. The realization of what Jesus did fills my heart with thanksgiving and praise, and sadness, too, for all the ways I let him down.

How is your spiritual house? If you are willing, ask the Holy Spirit to show you. He will be delighted to help you. Here are a few suggestions if you choose to do some house cleaning.

           Clean the windows. What has built up in your heart that may be filtering out the light of Christ’s presence and truth? Throw it out and refuse to let it back in.

           Check out your closets, those places in your mind where you hide things from sight. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you dispose of any stored-up sin or shame. Release them to the Cross and receive forgiveness and cleansing. You will feel much lighter!

           Check the corners for any cobwebs of doubt. Brush them away by recalling God’s faithfulness and goodness to you in the past. Make a list daily of five things for which you are thankful to keep those spiders of doubt and confusion from doing their work.

           Be sure to clear away anything on the floors that might trip you up or cause you to fall. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any lies, false beliefs, and their consequences and any vows you may have made as a result of believing them. Renounce them and nail them to the Cross.

           Clean your refrigerator of any outdated habits, and toxic food like unforgiveness or bitterness. Receive God’s forgiveness and his grace to keep them in the trash. Replace them with things pleasing to the Lord. 

When you are ready, remember what Jesus said in Revelation 3:20, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”  Hear his voice? What an Easter celebration is awaiting you! Enjoy!

Dear friend, be blessed as you commit to make more room in your mind and heart for Jesus. As you hear Christ’s voice and invite him in, may you feel his pleasure and joy and be filled with his love. Be blessed as you know and believe that you were created for friendship with God. After all, you are the reason Jesus hung on the Cross. You are his masterpiece, made in his image, created before time began to live in his presence. Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ February 20, 2021