Last week was all about one thing …. PREPARATION. All the news outlets were pounding in our heads the need to prepare for snow, ice and frigid temperatures. Donna and I obeyed all directives. She was at the grocery store and I was buying gas for the generator, propane for the heaters and diesel fuel for my tractor. Over the years I have used my tractor to clear the driveways of my neighbors when snow and ice pays a visit. As a result, I get fresh baked bread and chocolate chip cookies. It also is a remedy for my cabin fever.

Preparation is an essential tactic when navigating the uncertainty of the threats we face in life. I had no sympathy for the folks who waited until the last moment to visit the grocery store only to find empty shelves. We can train and prepare. We can stock up. We can rehearse in our minds what we need to do but it won’t be enough. The uncertainty of threats will always and forever contaminate the peace in our lives. Sometimes life feels like it’s out to get us.

I have a forecast for consideration today. Jesus will return to judge this world. No one knows the time. His return will be visible to everyone, like lightning across the sky. Acts1:11 assures us that "Jesus will return in the same way He ascended". Furthermore, 1 Thessalonians 5:2 describes His return as like a "thief in the night".

The Bible also addresses preparation. Directives such as "guarding your mind" in 1 Peter 1:13, "living wisely" in Ephesians 5:15 and "sharing your faith" in 1 Peter 3:15. Emphasis placed on preparing your mind setting towards hope. Preparing your heart to embrace and cultivate God’s word. Remaining alert and being constant in prayer. Our future has been forecasted. What’s in my grocery cart? What have I done? I don’t want to find the shelves empty. NOTE TO SELF: Am I prepared ??