I know, Iknow, it's already 3 days into this new decade, the year 2010. But I still have a hard time believing it is really 2010. I mean, it sounds so futuristic. But, alas, it is 2010. I remember where I was in 1999 when we celebrated the last decade, the year 2000. I spent the evening with friends, eating M&M's, date balls, and other great things, and I was giddy with excitement. The host of our party home worked for a communications company and because of the Y2K concerns, was not at the house when we rang in the new year, but 'out on the field', ready to address any problems that arose because of Y2K. There were so many preparations that had to be completed before we rolled into the year 2000. That communications company worked tirelessly to make sure nothing would crash and leave many without means of communications. People stockpiled food. Many worried about their money in banks. Computer programmers worked for months on end. It was a crazy time in our country.
So when 2010 came, I thought about the lack of preparation we did this year. We don't know what this year will bring, although most hope this year is better than last. Most people make resolutions for the new year. Most resolve to be better people, do more for others. I do not do well making New Year's resolutions, but I did think about what 'preparations' I needed to make for this year, and I came up with two.
One of these days, years, decades, millenniums, our Lord and Savior will return. And I want to be ready. I used to fear I would not recognize His face if He returned. I know, that sounds crazy, but I didn't feel I was a mature Christian and would miss 'it' if He returned. I now know that a child of God will not miss Jesus' return. I want to be ready when He returns. How can I prepare for that great and blessed event?
First and formost, I need to pray. I need to keep the lines of communications open with my God. I need to talk to Him every day, every hour, and be quiet and still and listen to His voice.
Second, I need to read and study His Word. The Bible is so precious to me, more precious than it has ever been. I have a fire and a passion to read it. With great bible studies and Sunday School lessons, I hunger for His Word and am challenged by what He says to me.
Our Sunday School teacher issued a challenge to us today. Read through the bible this year. His wife has done that the past two years, and he is doing that this year. And he has asked us to read it with him. If we were to all do this, what great changes would happen in that class.
One local church is being challenged by their pastor to read Proverbs in January.
One pastor suggested in a sermon to take one book and read and study it and become an expert on that book. If you are thinking, "I can't become an expert on a book in the bible." Think of all the people who have written commentaries on books. How do you think they became experts? They studied their copy of God's Word and listened to what God had to say to them.
This may be a bold statement, but I believe that if we study our bibles more and pray more, all the 'other stuff' will fall into place. All the other resolutions, be a better person, be nicer to my family, etc. will be accomplished.
I want to be ready for Jesus' return. I want to look into His eyes and know my Savior. And until He returns, I want to be ready for whatever 2010 and this decade bring. This decade will bring lots of changes in our family. We will probably have a few additions to our family, i.e. daughters-in-law, grandchildren, maybe even a new niece or nephew. There will be some great times, and there will be, unfortunately, some sad times. I want to be ready to handle each situation with the wisdom that comes from God's Word and from constant prayer.
I want to be prepared.
So, how did you prepare for 2010?
