Are You Prepared? (2 Cor. 9:1-5)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

Are you prepared?

I live in Southern California, and we experience earthquakes periodically. Each time another earthquake occurs, everyone talks about being prepared: Do you have an earthquake kit, including plenty of water, food, flashlight, etc.? Do you have a communication plan, with an out-of-area contact? Do you have an “escape” plan to get you back home?

My answer? Yes and no. I do have adequate food at home, but I’m not certain about water. I have kit in my car, but I’m not sure if any of the food in it is good. I certainly have out-of-area contacts, but if my cell phone doesn’t work and if I’m not home, how will I call?

Being prepared is so very important. But even more importantly than being prepared for a natural disaster, we need to be prepared for eternity. And we need to help others be prepared as well. We had a guest speaker at church yesterday, and he said that when a person dies, he or she is in eternity, whether that eternity is in heaven or in hell.. Every person, no matter what his or her faith, will leave this world and enter the next.

While I may not be fully prepared for a major catastrophe, I am prepared for eternity. I have accepted the gift of salvation through belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I have committed my life to serving God—Father, Son, and Spirit. I go to the throne of God daily and surrender myself to His purpose.

My desire now should be to help those around me who are not prepared for eternity become prepared. And I do this by sharing the good news of grace and helping them see the truth of God's word.

Because just as an occasional earthquake is inevitable here in Southern California, eternity is inevitable.

Are you prepared?

Believe, Then Speak (2 Cor. 4:13-14)

But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
(2 Corinthians 4:13-15, NASB)

As often happens, today’s verses both convicted and encouraged me.

The conviction comes from verse 13: “… we also believe, therefore we also speak …”

I believe in God—Father, Son, and Spirit—with all my heart. I believe this world was created by Him. I believe sin entered the world when Adam and Eve chose to follow their own way instead of God’s. I believe God always had a plan of salvation that culminated with the death, burial, and resurrection of God the Son, Jesus Christ.

I believe this with all my heart.

Yet, how often do I speak about what I believe? Not often enough. And I have such easy “openers.” I have a speaking ministry. One of the schools I teach for is a Christian university. I even volunteer frequently at a faith-based theater. There is nothing that should keep me from telling others about my beliefs … nothing except my own feelings of inadequacy or fear, that is.

I’m challenging myself to take every opportunity to just say, “This is what I do,” and see how the lines of communication open.

But I’m also encouraged by these verses when I remember how the story of God’s grace is “spreading to more and more people.” Even if I’m not speaking as often as I could, I’m so grateful for those who have heard God’s call and speak His name with boldness.

As I write these words, one of my nephews and his wife are on a short-term mission trip. This is their third (or fourth?) such trip, and they go with boldness and enthusiasm, eager to share Christ with others.

God’s story will be told, with me or without me. With you or without you.

I think I’d rather it be told with me. What about you?

God's Enemies (Ps. 139:19-22)

O that You would slay the wicked, O God;
         Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed.
For they speak against You wickedly,
         And Your enemies take Your name in vain.
Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD?
         And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
I hate them with the utmost hatred;
         They have become my enemies.
(Psalm 139:19-22, NASB)

Solomon wrote, “… there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecc. 1:9). Isn’t that the truth? Centuries ago, David wrote about those who spoke against God and took His name in vain. God’s enemies rose up against Him, and David considered God’s enemies his own.

And what’s happening today? A new generation of atheists is inviting people to actually denounce God—Father, Son, and Spirit—on an on-line forum. It seems that the only acceptable swear words are “Jesus Christ” or “Oh my God.” You don’t hear anyone saying “Buddha” or “Oh my Krishna.” It’s only the name of the one true God that’s taken in vain.

One thing has changed, however, since David wrote this psalm. God Himself came to earth in human form, and Jesus spoke of loving our enemies and loving others as ourselves. David hated his enemies and wanted to see them destroyed. We, one the other hand, should love them. We should do all we can do to help them see truth.

And we must stand firm in our own faith, continually filling our minds with God’s word. We must ask God to fill our hearts with love for those who speak against God. We must let our hearts be broken when we think of how the enemy has brainwashed so many.