As I sit here awaiting the arrival of a storm. The story of the bridesmaids awaiting Jesus' return comes to mind. The parable states that ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom. No one knew the hour that the bridegroom would come. Five bridesmaids had extra oil in jars with their lamps, and five did not. It was a long wait, so all ten fell asleep. When the announcement came that the bridegroom had come, they all woke up and the five unprepared bridesmaids (foolish maids) asked the other five (wise maids) for oil. The five wise bridesmaids declined to give them oil because they didn't know if they would have enough, so they told them to buy from the people who sold oil, but after they left, the bridegroom arrived. The five wise bridesmaids attended the wedding banquet with the bridegroom, and the others were locked out. When they returned with the extra oil and tried to enter, Jesus said he didn't know them.
Just as the wise bridesmaids prepared for Jesus’ return by retaining their virtue, we prepared for the storm by tying down all outdoor furniture and moving the potted plants closer to the house. The wise ones bought additional oil in advance, because they knew the bridegroom was coming but they didn’t know when. We also were expecting the storm, but we weren’t exactly sure when it would hit. So we gassed up our vehicles and bought extra gas for the generator, and once all was completed, we too fell asleep. When the announcement came we were ready.
Philippians 3:20 tells us, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Just as the wise bridesmaids were ready for Jesus' return, we should be just as diligently preparing for His return. Our preparation should consist of spending time with Him and learning His ways. Some of us will be ready, and some will not. It's your choice? Which group of five will you be in?
Be prepared for Jesus’ return. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matthew 24:36
Watch diligently for Jesus’ return. “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:42-44
Jesus will return. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:7
By doing these things…over time, I’ve been learning how to incorporate Christ into every area of my life.
Below are two books that God has inspired me to write. "The Flip Side" and "Blinded By Sight: The Heart Matters" both available now.
So… what’s this book about?
“The Flip Side” depicts the possible feelings and emotions of lesser-known Biblical characters as they navigated their lives in the shadows of the more popular characters in the Bible. While the Bible gives us snippets of their stories, we are usually left in the dark about their true motives, desires, and thoughts concerning the situations they are in. However, one certainty is that despite how little we know about these characters, they were often the catalysts to pivotal moments in the main characters’ lives.
So… what’s this book about?
Join me on a journey of self-discovery. “Blinded by Sight - The Heart Matters” is a compilation of short biblical devotions. These stories are not conclusive. They are depictions of how God is revealing my heart to me.
My prayer is, Lord, make it real for me, show me your heart, show me my heart, and give me the wisdom to change what hinders my relationship with you. I am learning that my perception is my biggest obstacle it affects my mind, what I think, and how I process my experiences. What I have experienced in my mind is expressed through my feelings and these experiences dictate my choices either consciously or subconsciously.
This devotional will allow you to explore and evaluate your past and present situations that have hindered you from seeing the heart of the matter. Simply put, look at the heart – it does matter. Your future depends on it!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4
Comentarios