Tag Archives: being prepared

July 8, 2022 · 5:42 AM

Keeping Watch

Part of the code I was taught to live by is to be mentally, physically and spiritually alert. From an early age, I learned to be aware of things that affect me in those areas. We know that our enemy roams about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour in any of these areas. He knows that if he can affect any of these areas, he can disrupt your relationship with God. It’s important that you and I keep watch on all these fronts. We must be prepared so that we’re not overtaken unaware by our enemy. The Bible suggests many ways and areas that we must keep watch over. The Lord is our Shepherd, but you and I still need to be alert.

Here are some Bible verses on keeping watch.

1. Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41 GNT

2. Consider well and watch carefully the path of your feet, And all your ways will be steadfast and sure.

Proverbs 4:26 AMP

3. Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.

Proverbs 4:23 MSG

4. Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you.

Proverbs 4:26 TPT

5. Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Keep on doing these things, because if you do, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1 Timothy 4:16 GNT

Photo by Caleb Jones on Unsplash

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February 4, 2022 · 5:51 AM

Being Ready

Growing up, I was in a scouting program at church. They taught us a motto to live by. It was, “Ready! Ready for anything. Ready to work, play, serve, obey, worship, love, etc.” When things come up, I’ve found it’s better to be ready than not. When you’re ready, you can be proactive rather than reactive. As believers, we’re called to be ready for a lot of things as well. Ready to serve others. Ready to share our faith. Ready to lay hands on the sick. Ready for Jesus to come back. You and I can’t afford to live our lives unprepared for all the things the Bible tells us to be ready for.

Here are some Bible verses on being ready.

1. Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others.

1 Timothy 6:18 GNT

2. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13 NLT

3. So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.

Ephesians 6:14-15 GNT

4. Be dressed and ready for active service, and keep your lamps continuously burning.

Luke 12:35 AMP

5. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Matthew 24:44 NLT

Photo by Shelbey Fordyce on Unsplash

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May 21, 2020 · 5:30 AM

Prepare Today

I believe it was Coach Wooden who said, “When opportunity knocks, it’s too late to prepare.” The window for an opportunity that shows up in our life is usually very brief. You won’t have time to do all the prep work necessary and seize the opportunity in most cases. We should always be ready by doing the prep work ahead of time. The problem is that human nature doesn’t want to put in the work when there’s not even an opportunity on the horizon. Those who have done the work ahead of time are the ones who make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.

I believe that God presents every one of us with opportunities that we should be prepared for. How can we give to a need if we haven’t saved any money? How can we answer spiritual questions if we haven’t studied the Bible? How can we tear down strongholds if we haven’t fasted? How can we be prepared for His return if we don’t have enough oil in our lamps? There are so many things that I believe God can do through us if only we would spend the time laying the groundwork of preparation.

Proverbs 24:27 says, “First plant your fields; then build your barn” (MSG). We need to make sure we are doing things in the proper order in our life. Too many times we want the barn without taking time to til the soil and plant. That’s not how things work. If you want God to use you in a certain way, there are things you need to be doing today to prepare for it. Be faithful in the preparation and God will trust you with the opportunities that He has for you. Don’t delay. Start today.

Thanks to @JestNinja for making this photo available freely on @unsplash

Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other writing ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.

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