Christian Writers Circle

Take Time to Prepare
by Judy Hitson

Romans 13:11 NIV And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

And do this. Do what? I thought it was about being and believing, not about a “to do list.” Are you with me on that thinking? When did you first believe in Jesus Christ? Let me pause a moment to say, If you are reading this and do not believe in Jesus Christ, I urge you, take time to prepare for your salvation through believing and receiving Christ. It is a matter of life or death. See what I wrote on Time of Salvation. However, if you know the Lord and believe in Him, please do not slumber or sleep from heeding what the Lord asks. See also Eph.5:8-11

Do you understand the present time? There were believers of every generation who looked for the Lord to return. In our generation, some believers, including me, sense an urgency to prepare not only for the return of the Lord, living in ways that please Him, but prepare to live in the end times before He returns. What do you think of the exponential changes taking place in our nation? What do you think of the extreme weather around the world, natural disasters, war, increased crime and other matters that may be on your mind. Yes, we need to take time to prepare for such a time as this with our circle of influence and the boundaries God set for us. What does that preparation look like? Perhaps you have taken time to prepare and understand the present time, alert and watchful, pleasing the Lord. If so, I commend you. If you are not sure or wonder what I found as important in preparation, I will share the Scripture passage that alarmed me as I was reading the Bible in Romans 13: 8-14 New International Version:

Love for the Day is Near
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,”  “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

The bottom line I see is walk in love and realize that is something only God can do through us. Let us heed the greatest commandment found in Matt. 22:37-38 NIV Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.

Take time to think slowly on these verses. Let the Lord speak to your heart of what it means for you to take time to prepare for His return and for the end times.

There are many Scripture passages I would like to share with you but  close with the key passages I shared. They tug at my heart at this time of preparation in my life and hope it is meaningful for you and your life.

Prayer: Father in heaven, touch our hearts and reveal how we are to take time by Your Spirit to prepare for such a time as this in history and for Your return. This I ask in Your name, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.