Are you ready?

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didnt realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes." Matthew 24:36-39

As we are counting down the days to the TEAM 413 first annual Frog Hill Half marathon, I'm finding there are so many things to get done. My mind keeps picturing the clocks designed to count down by days, minutes and seconds the time you have left until the "big day".  As the time is getting closer, being "ready" is of greater importance. By knowing in advance when something will occur, you can prepare and plan for it. Works out great when you're planning a race, wedding or a birthday party that's for sure. 

But what about the biggest day that will ever come? The day of Christ's return? It would be great to know when that would happen, wouldn't it? We could live our lives the way we wanted and then sweep out our closets the night before His return. Some of us are living like that though without even knowing it. 1 John 1:6 says, "If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth." In other words, if we claim to know Jesus but aren't walking with Him, we are just as lost as those who have never given their life to Christ. What does it mean then to walk with Christ? Ephesians 5:1-2 explains, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."

To be like Christ, we have to love like Christ, serve like Christ and live like Christ. In doing so,we won't need to worry about when Christ will return. If we are abiding in His love, we will be ready regardless of the time of day. And what a glorious day that will be! Let us be singing His praises on the day He returns.

"This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising us that one day You will return and take us to be with You. Meanwhile, may we strive to be like You, love like You and serve like You. Remind us that our days are short and give us an urgency to tell others about You so they may too be ready for your return and live each day in anticipation of it. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Glorious Day - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXp6xcY5IqU