Are you ready yet?

"And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, 

because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 

perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

(Romans 5:2-4 NIV)

"Are you ready yet?"

Sometime in your life you've probably been asked this question.

- are you ready to get on the bus for school?
- are you ready to perform your solo at music contest?
- are you ready to walk down that aisle and become married?
- are you ready to walk into that courtroom?
- are you ready to say goodbye to your ailing parent?
- are you ready to meet Jesus?

Some things in life are easy to "be ready" for because we know when they will happen. Many children will ride the bus to their first day of school sometime when they are five or six years old. Many young adults will set a wedding date and walk down that aisle into a hopeful future. Many of us will look forward to specific dates like college graduation.

But some things in life are not so easy to "be ready" for because they catch us unexpectedly. A spouse caught in an affair. A childhood friend dying of stage 4 brain cancer. A young mom killed in a car crash. An elderly parent suddenly hospitalized - and failing - after a bad fall. Is there any way to prepare and be "ready" for such life events?

On one level, it doesn't take too much awareness to realize that hard things happen everyday to someone(s) somewhere. This lines up with an accurate reading of the Bible which reminds us that in this life we will have troubles and suffering. Even the writing of the Apostle Peter isn't exactly warm and fuzzy when he says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV). It sounds great to be "overjoyed when God's glory is revealed," but I doubt many of us admit to be excited and enthused about "participating in the sufferings of Christ."

Just like these unexpected life events come when we might not be looking for them, Jesus will return and he hasn't told us when.  "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:13, 24:44 NIV)  We don't know the day or the hour for many things.  But we do know the One whose Presence and Peace can overcome our world.  Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

So, we do what we can to be ready - focusing on our relationship with God and telling others the Good News we have in Jesus Christ.  And we help others to be ready - especially for Jesus's return. 

We boast in our hope, even when we are suffering.

Comforting, Suffering Servant,

You who came to earth as both fully Man and fully God, we thank you that you know what it means to be human.  You know suffering, peace, joy, disappointment, and a whole host of other human emotions.  But by your Blood you have overcome this world and we may have peace.  Help us to focus on your Peace.  Help us to call out to you when our burdens seem overwhelming and help us to trust you who are gentle and humble in heart.  Help us to be ready for your return and to help others be ready. Give us courage to share the Good News of our Hope in Jesus Christ with others.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)

January 31, 2021 Prayer - Shepherd's guarding against our fears and anxieties

Good Shepherd,

Thank you that you are our Yahweh, our King, robed in power and strength.  Your majesty and glory reign over all the earth; your voice thunders in brilliance!  Thank you that you are the Good Shepherd and the Gateway for us, your flock.  We know that when we listen to you and accept your gifts of grace, we can experience abundant life, freedom, and fullness of joy.   In this world there are many times we feel like troubles are overwhelming, our fears suffocate us, our feet slip on what we thought were firm rocks of relationships, livelihoods, and trusts, and then anxiety rises within us.  Help us to remember that your presence, your consolation, and your support bring us safety and even joy in the midst of trials.  We humble ourselves before you - confessing the times we have not lived life your Way - and asking you to help us cast our anxieties on you and to be alert and sober to the world around us. We pray in the name of Jesus against any spirit of fear that would want to attack us in our physical bodies, mental health, finances, relationships, livelihood, or our future.   We claim the protection of your covenant blood over us as we battle the devouring enemy of our souls.  Help us, Holy Spirit, to resist that enemy, to stand firm in the faith, and to trust that you will lift us up in due time.  We don't want to live in those fear or anxieties; help us to trust your Perfect Love to fill us up so there is no room for fears.  In the strong, powerful, and protecting name of Christ we pray, Amen!

"Look! Yahweh now reigns as King!

He has covered himself with majesty and strength,

wearing them as his splendor-garments.

Regal power surrounds him as he sits securely on his throne.

He’s in charge of it all, the entire world,

and he knows what he’s doing!

Lord, you have reigned as King from the very beginning of time.

Eternity is your home.

Chaos once challenged you.

The raging waves lifted themselves over and over,

high above the ocean’s depths, letting out their mighty roar!

Yet at the sound of your voice they were all stilled by your might.

What a majestic King, filled with power!

Nothing could ever change your royal decrees;

they will last forever!

Holiness is the beauty that fills your house;

you are the one who abides forevermore!" (Psalm 93 TPT)

"The voice of the Lord echoes through the skies and seas. The Glory-God reigns as he thunders in the clouds. So powerful is his voice, so brilliant and bright, how majestic as he thunders over the great waters!" (Psalm 29:3-4 TPT)

"So Jesus went over it again, “I speak to you eternal truth: I am the Gate for the flock.  All those who broke in before me are thieves who came to steal, but the sheep never listened to them. I am the Gateway.  To enter through me is to experience life, freedom, and satisfaction. A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow! I am the Good Shepherd who lays down my life as a sacrifice for the sheep." (John 10:7-11 TPT)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

"There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]." (1 John 4:18 AMP)

"When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
    your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me,

    your consolation brought me joy." (Psalm 94:18-19 NIV)

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV)