Be Prepared

I was reading on the internet about fish dead in rivers and birds falling dead out of the sky. Events like these usually tend to make people think about the coming end of times. I admit it does me as well. I know the end is coming but I don’t know when. All I can do is be prepared. My favorite scripture about being prepared is The Parable of the Ten Virgins. 　1　Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2　And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3　They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4　But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5　While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6　And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7　Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8　And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9　But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10　And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11　Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12　But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13　Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matt 25:1-13 (KJV) It reminds me so much of how life is today. We as Christians, myself included, have become so comfortable with ourselves that we have lacked to prepare for his return. We have been saved but have failed to take our salvation to a dying world. We have gotten so comfortable in our own little box that we don’t want to step out and share our love for Jesus. God wants us to be prepared for his return but he also wants us to bring others to him.　For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. Romans 14:7 (KJV) We were put here for a purpose and that purpose is to lead others to Christ. To often we want to leave that job to our Pastors or Deacons. We think who am I? What good can I do? We can lead others to Christ by being a good example in our workplace and even at the grocery store. We can step up for the Lord when an opportunity comes along instead of coming up with excuses until it passes on by. We can start with our lost loved ones we have in our family. Read the Bible daily. Be prepared to answer the hard questions like why do you believe the way you do? and How can you have joy in times like these? Pray for knowledge and wisdom to say what God would want you to say to those he places in your path. Then when the opportunity presents itself you will be prepared to use it to the fullest for the Glory of God. We must be good soldiers and fight the good fight. Then when we have finished we will hear those precious words well done my child.