TODAY IS…

the ideal day to be ready for what God has prepared for us.

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”  Matthew 24:44 NIV

“Am I ready?”

On the surface, it would appear to be a simple enough question, but in those three words reside eternal consequences. Each one of us needs to ask if we are ready for the return of Jesus Christ and the judgment that will accompany His return.

God’s Word tells us, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV).

While it is obvious that people possess vivid imaginations, none of us can accurately picture in our minds what awaits us if we have properly prepared for our eternal futures. It is difficult enough for many of us to try to foresee what awaits us in this life.

But one thing is certain, the Lord has said, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.” (Isaiah 65:17a NIV).

The Apostle John said, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth…” (Revelation 21:1a KJV).

The place that God has prepared for us in heaven will be determined by how well we care for the people who inhabit this earth with us. How we look after others reflects our true feelings towards God. Jesus Christ teaches us repeatedly to love one another, to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and provide shelter for the homeless. These are not idle instructions for how to occupy our time on this earth. Rather, these teachings form a map leading to the most special places in God’s house reserved for those who are truly ready for what has been prepared.

Our time could come long before the time of the whole world. We simply do not know. It is best to live each day so that, at a moment’s notice, we can stand confidently before Jesus Christ in judgment of how we have fulfilled our obligation to the Father.

While we may not know exactly what awaits us, our daily lives can be enriched through the simple act of preparation for the eternal life that God has prepared for us.

We should all live every day so that if we ask ourselves, “Am I ready?” there is only one answer.

“Yes, I am ready!”

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson