Tag: Preparation

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Preparation in the Tomb

Yesterday, Good Friday Services were held around the globe commemorating the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus Christ.  But what happened between the crucifixion, burial and resurrection?  On my walk today the Holy Spirit kept impressing upon me the word preparation.  Scripture reveals spices and oils were prepared (100 pounds of aloes and myrrh) and used to anoint Jesus’ body and then it was wrapped in linen and laid in the tomb. In the ancient world, spices were expensive and highly valued. They were used to anoint kings.  The extract from aloe leaves was one of the two spices used to bury Jesus, according to John 19:39. The spices were wrapped with strips of linen around Jesus up to his head. Myrrh and frankincense were given to Jesus at his birth by the Wise Men from the East as gifts to celebrate his life. Frankincense was a highly aromatic spice used to anoint priests and kings, given to Jesus as a sign of respect for his role as “King of kings”. Of all spices, myrrh played the largest role in Jesus’ life. Given to him at his birth and used to anoint his body at his death. Spices Used to Bury Jesus | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7331845_spices-used-bury-jesus.html#ixzz2P3rp4lMh
Here’s the meaning I received.  Our preparation in the tomb (darkness) begins when we die to the past through forgiveness and obedience, submit to the will of the Father, and anoint ourselves with His oil and spices.  

Preparation:  The tomb was already prepared.

Preparation:  The women and others prepared the oils and spices.

Preparation:  God prepared to save the us through the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Christ.   

Preparation cleanses us for ministry.  We rise up, and give evidence of the hope we have in Jesus Christ.  It is in our preparation that we can walk through the valley of the shadow of death and experience mercy and grace which  follows us all the days of our lives, and we DWELL in the House of the Lord. (Psalm 23)  Preparation results in power, and provision. 

As we await the celebration of the Risen Christ on Resurrection Sunday, applaud now for the preparation in the tomb.  For the model of how to arise victoriously is in the preparation. 

 

 

 

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January 1st

January 1st with its Rose Parade and football games grabbing for our attention. Chicken wings, nachos, or traditional meal spread out ready to satisfy our waiting appetites. January 1st when text messages, phone calls go out to those near and far wishing them a prosperous new year. January 1st, the first day of a new beginning, when we reflect about what did and did not happen last year. Thoughts about losing weight, getting better, going back to school, finishing the book, or taking the leap of faith intersect with New Year’s Day rituals and activities.  And yet January 1st is a gift – another chance “to become“. I would hasten to say with conviction, no other day on the calendar tends to move more people to ponder how to begin again.  It is our “In the beginning“, when the tug of divine fulfillment and purpose prompts many to make resolutions, set goals, and start on the path to becoming.  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (
Genesis 1:1), and during the process He created us in His image, to be stewards, caretakers, builders, worshippers, architects, and co-heirs.   January 1st is not just another day on the calendar.  It is a day of unification with the Creator, and not with a bowl game or bowl of chili.

Take a moment to unite with God, and seek your new beginning through Him this January 1st.  There’s still time.

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Staying the Course

“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.

You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.” Psalm 119: 1-2 [MSG]

It is easy to get distracted by challenges, situations, circumstances, interruptions, or just life in general.  It can be downright difficult.  Staying the course results in reward.  If you desire the reward, you must understand what staying the course means.  First, it means discovering the road God revealed, not your road, but His.  Second, understand why you are on the road.  It is to discover the word, which is the ultimate expression of God’s mind and reasoning.   The word keep you steady in spite of all those distractions. It also point you in the direction of the one who created the road.   Third, follow His directions.  Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are Gods’ workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”   God already prepared the way for us.  He already revealed the course, the instructions, and the roadmap.   If we stay on the course, understand the process, and follow His direction, then we are the recipients of the blessing.  Ultimately, we get to do what He prepared us to do.  Wow!  As we stay on the course, we discover purpose, receive blessings, and find God.  What could be more wonderful?

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Are You Prepared?

A couple of blogs ago, I asked the question what should be in your Emergency Preparedness Kit.  I did not receive any responses, so I thought I would share with you what I would pack.

Beloved, we must be prepared each day for the multiple assignments given us.

First, I would get ready with prayer for myself, family, leaders, the lost, wounded and hurting, and those of the household of faith. Packing prayer gives insights.  Prayer also provides peace which passes all understanding, and the power to stand against the enemy.  My clothes would consist of the whole armor of God.  His armor carries the light of His glory.  Preparation requires commitment, and the courage to stand;  firmly rooted in the hope which comes from our relationship to Christ. The other essential items for our Emergency Preparedness Kit are referenced in the Book of Ephesians.   Ephesians 6:10-17 cf [NIV] tells us … “Finally, be strong in the Lord  and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God,  so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,  against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation  and the sword of the Spirit,   which is the word of God.

Our God wants us prepared like the five wise virgins whose lamps were ready for the arrival of the bridegroom.   Are you packed and ready for today’s journey?  If not, review and re-pack your Emergency Preparedness Kit.  You’ll be glad you did.

Peace and blessings.

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Emergency Preparedness Kit

My husband and I lived in New Orleans Louisiana Post Katrina.  Each hurricane season, emergency preparedness messages were broadcast to get people ready just in case another hurricane hit the area.  After Katrina, and Rita, officials encouraged residents to have their “Emergency Preparedness Kit” ready in the event of an evacuation.  The kit should contain batteries, water, non-perishable food, money, battery operated radio, clothing, medicine, and personal records.  Also, information and instructions on evacuation procedures, and what to do upon returning home.  The kit came in handy when we experienced two hurricanes after Katrina.

As a believer, do you an Emergency Preparedness Kit?  How prepared are you for this life? For its challenges, and crisis? What should be in your Emergency Preparedness Kit?

There are lots of things the world wants to have, but only those things provided by our Lord and Savior will help us navigate these last days, and get us home safely.

 

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