Gettin' Ready

2 Peter 3: 10-18
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming … make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation…17… be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. NLT

Truthful God and Righteous Judge,
You tell it like it is … You’re poised and ready to speak again! This time You’ll give the signal for the judgment and destruction of desecrating doubters. I don’t want to be among them! Please help me to:

• Be holy by spending time with You each day in intimate friendship, reading Your Word, praying and making friends with other believers. I want to know and recognize You.

• Be godly by demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I want You to know me and recognize me by my Christ-like characteristics.
  
• Be watching by remaining alert and paying attention so that I won’t be surprised or alarmed when You show up.
  
• Quickly, go tell the story of Your dramatic rescue to everyone and anyone who will listen because You’re not coming until everyone’s heard the message.
  
• Make every effort to be spotless, pure and at peace with everyone.
  
• Believe the truth about Your mercy and patience. You don’t want anyone to perish.
  
• Be on guard so that I won’t be misled by false teachers with a feel good message that twists the truth and justifies inappropriate activities.
  
• Keep growing deeper in my understanding of You and Your amazing kindness.
  

Since everything here today will be gone tomorrow, it is essential that I live my life for You. Joyfully, I look forward with great hope to my new home in heaven where I’ll live happily ever after with You, my Lord and King. Thank You for warning me of what’s to come and telling me precisely how to prepare! I praise You Jesus for Your wonderful Words! Amen.

God clearly tells us that He will come at an unexpected time. Do You believe Him? Are you ready if He comes tonight? How will you prepare to meet Him? Will you recognize Him? Will He recognize You?