Take Time To Prepare Now

I read of a man who like his father was spontaneous. His dad would say, “Grab your passport, wallet and a change of clothes.” Then the father and son would go to the airport and take the next flight out to wherever it took them. Most of us don’t have the financial means or the time to be that spontaneous but unless house bound, most of us do make a trip or journey of some kind. It may be a vacation, driving to work, a run to the store or a walk in the back yard. Unlike the aforementioned man, when we go, we generally have a purpose for the trip, a destination in mind and a plan of how to go about it.
We plan for our vacations. We schedule itineraries. We procure the necessary vaccinations and travel documents. We save our money and make sure there is a good balance on our credit cards. We look for the best rate on our currency exchange. Finally, we pack our suitcases, load the car and are on the way.
When we lived in Prince Edward Island, the local residents would consider it an all day event to travel to Charlottetown. The plans to go would be made well in advance of the day. They would check the oil, make sure the tire pressure was correct, fill up the car with gas, and make sure there was somebody willing to look after the dog. Charlottetown was forty five minutes away. In fact, you could drive from one end of the province to the other in three hours and that would include a couple stops for food and Tim Hortons. Our last minute decisions to go to ‘Town’ for just the afternoon were often viewed with surprise but we were no strangers to travelling.
With You Are Special Ministries (an itinerant children’s ministry), we were constantly journeying from one location to another. Since 1986, our family has travelled across Canada and into the US to tell kids about Jesus through the art of storytelling. In order to accomplish this, I would make lists of what we needed to take. Mary would make lists of what to put in the suitcases and the girls would make a list of books and shoes. My job was to pack all the equipment, luggage and dog paraphernalia into our vehicle, while making sure there was enough room for the five of us and our one then two dogs. I was always amazed as what looked like a living room full of stuff always managed to fit in and on our vehicle. It was all part of the preparation.
Our friends were heading to Florida this week. They stopped by our place to drop off a few things. I asked them if they were packed, knowing they were leaving the next day for their extended trip. Our friend responded, “Are you kidding? We have too much to do before tomorrow to think about packing.” Hopefully, they didn’t forget anything of importance.
There is another journey we are all on, no matter our age or health status. This journey of Life begins with our birth and continues beyond the moment we draw our last breath when we reach our eternal destination. Where do you plan to spend it? I hope it is in heaven with Jesus.
Here are the preparations needed to reach this destination. Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Saviour? God’s plan is as simple as ABC.
Admit: First we have to admit we have sinned against God. The Bible says we are all in this boat together. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Rom. 3:23 NLT). Think about it.
We may not have killed someone but Jesus said if we have hatred towards someone it is the same as committing the act.
There is no such thing as a little white lie in God’s sight.
Rebellion is ranked on par with witchcraft.
The consequences of our sin or our selfish actions is death and eternal separation from God.
Believe: We need to believe Jesus, God’s Son, died on a cross in our place so the penalty of our sin is completely paid for. To God, our account is stamped “Paid in Full.” We also need to believe Jesus rose from the dead three days later which proved He could make full restitution.
Confess: We need to confess our sins to God and ask his forgiveness. Sure God knows everything but He still requires that we seek his forgiveness. He did His part now it is our turn to do our part.
Determine: Then determine you will follow after God and live according to His agenda.
It will be too late if you wait until your journey is complete. Make your preparation for the most important trip of your life now. The Bible tells us, “Indeed, the right time is now. Today is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2 NLT).
If I didn’t prepare for our travels, most assuredly I would forget something of importance. If you fail to prepare for heaven, when the time comes, you will face the biggest disappointment of your entire life.