Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today's scriptures are about being constantly aware of Jesus’ return. The one fact of life is that we will not be here on earth, in the flesh, forever. Just as I wrote yesterday, one of two things will happen, either Jesus will return to receive all believers and take us home, or we will physically die. Nobody knows when either these things will happen, so Jesus urged us to always be watching, waiting soberly and expectantly for our reunion.
Jesus spoke this parable to Peter and some of His other disciples, it’s written: "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Luke 12:35-40 NIV)
Peter went on to ask Jesus if this parable was meant for them (His disciples), or for everyone. Jesus explained, if the Master left certain servants in charge of taking care of the other servants, it’s best for them to be doing that when he returns. Jesus is basically saying if God has appointed you to be a leader on earth He expects you to fulfill those tasks, which was the whole point of giving you authority. If you do so, when He calls you home you’ll be appointed a great leader in Heaven. However, if you’ve been abusing the other servants, and spending most of your time sinning against Him, you will be severely punished. It’s very important for us to take each day and God’s will for our lives seriously, as if Jesus will be here any minute now. We should speak, act, and live pleasing to God at all times, making decisions with our Heavenly Father in mind.
Each day we arise, we’re a step closer to meeting Jesus face to face. When the time comes, will we be “drunk” and unable to focus, or will we be sober waiting eagerly? I’m learning to be aware of my every word and action, because I’ll eventually be judged for it. Not only that, but I’m responsible for the lives of so many others. The things I do, being a “Christian” [or representative of Christ], has the potential to persuade a lost or “younger Spirit” Christian to chose life or death. That’s the awesome burden each person who confessed Christ as Lord and Savior has, so when Jesus tells us to “be dressed and ready for service”, He means that literally and figuratively.
I’m going to leave you with the remainder of that parable, and some sobering information regarding your Faith walk. Life isn’t all about doing whatever, or sinning whenever you want, because you know He’ll forgive you, and you’ll live happily ever after. It’s written: That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:47-48 NIV) I pray that this helps you understand the reality of life as a Servant of Christ. Jesus wants you to live, and enjoy life, but you’re required to do it for the Love of God, in order to expect that same love and gratitude when you get to Heaven. Jesus said those who have been good servants, will be served by Him. Treat Him as you want to be treated, respecting Him enough to try to live righteously; everything has its rewards and consequences.
The first step to getting “dressed and ready” for Christ’s return, is a simple prayer. If you haven’t already, pray to God, confessing that you’re a sinner, and ask for forgiveness with a heart of repentance, then ask Jesus to be Lord of your life. I promise you, He’ll begin a good work in you, to help you get ready. If you have been covered in the blood of Jesus, but are having a hard time getting fully dressed, pray and repent, and serve God with love and thanksgiving. My favorite verse today is: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Luke 21:36)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455351&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!