Preparation

Think about this, most of the things we do we somewhat prepare ourselves for before time, if we know ahead of time that we are going to do them.  Take some kind of sports event, for instance, we prepare ourselves for them by being excited, anticipating that our team is going to win, if we have a special team.  Some will wear special jerseys with the team logos on them.  But regardless of whether we have a special team or not, we usually get caught up in the excitement and camaraderie as the teams start scoring and we will usually pick one team or the other before long.  Before we even realize it we are all into hooting and hollering, or in some cases booing, depending on our mood and which team is scoring.

Now think about young people that are going out for ice cream or pizza or something they really like and have a craving for.  How do they prepare for that occasion when they hear their parents say to get ready because we our going out to a restaurant and you can have whatever you want?  I would say their excitement rises and their taste buds are aroused and they anticipate a great time and good food.

Preparation is a good thing; it helps us be prepared for whatever the occasion.  Normally you get out of your experiences whatever you put into them and whatever you anticipate.  

Now I would like you to turn your attention to Bible study, prayer, Sunday school and church attendance.  You might say to me these things are boring, but I have a question.  If you claim to be a believer, how much preparation do you put into these things?  Do you prepare yourselves?  Do you anticipate meeting with the Lord when you prepare for these events or do you start with a negative attitude?  

I can remember years ago when we went to church we were encouraged to do our talking and visiting in the foyer and to be reverent in the sanctuary because we were entering the presence of the Lord!!  Today it seems like a big party when you walk into the sanctuary with people talking, laughing and having a good old time.  I was taught that when you entered the sanctuary it was a time of preparation, but sad to say much of that seems to be lacking today.  Maybe that is why some people will say, “I didn’t get much out of that service today.” 

When we come before the Lord in any capacity, we need to prepare ourselves and be reverent like I alluded to earlier; we will in many cases only get out of our experiences what we put into them.  I am guilty of this myself and I have been taught but many of you haven’t, so I am guiltier than you are.  Shame on me for getting caught up in the crowd and going along with everyone else instead of setting an example.  

But even before we get to the event we are going to attend, we need to be preparing ourselves for the occasion.  It would be good to think positively and rebuke all negative thinking, if possible, and try to get your mind off your friends and others and focus on the Lord and His presence and your relationship with Him.  It is so easy to forget why we attend these meetings.  Our main purpose should be to meet with the Lord and to let Him change us from the inside out, everyone and everything else should be an afterthought.  Whether we are in church, Bible study or prayer, our first thought should be we are meeting with the Lord.  If you are a Christian, you know unless the Lord moves on your behalf you can expect nothing for yourself or those you are praying for.

God’s Word says this in Psalms 127:1, “Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.”

I think you got the message I hope you will think about it.  I hope you will come to the Lord expecting and fully prepared and that the good Lord will meet your needs!  May the good Lord bless you and yours and may you have a super blessed day!!  PS don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord for He is truly worthy!!