Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5
Devotional Thought:
The Bible is clear that the Lord will return as a thief in the night. He will come when people least expect it. Verse 3 says, “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them…” Are you excited about the Lord’s return? I think of the way families count down to a big vacation. How all the details of the trip are explored and planned. Some would even say that the planning and preparation is as much fun as the trip itself. Verse 6 says, “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” I think of what my wife goes through before we have company. She wants the floors vacuumed, the dusting done, the laundry washed and put away, she wants the linens fresh, the bathrooms thoroughly cleaned, and the groceries bought for dinner. She is busy herself and effectively delegate jobs to the rest of us in order to have the house in the proper order before the company arrives. It is embarrassing for company to arrive unannounced when the grocery shopping has not been done, the linens are not fresh, the laundry is still in the hamper, etc. This chapter concludes with some very practical ideas for us to implement in preparation for the Lord’s coming. Rejoice, pray, be thankful, surrender to the Spirit’s control, respond to preaching, be discerning, and live distinct from the world. The question is not what needs to be addressed before the Lord arrives; the question is are we addressing them? Will we be sleeping and negligent when He arrives?
Personal Requests:
• Lord, help me to be sober regarding your coming. I want to be ready when you come!
• Lord, help me to implement the practical things you have taught me in this passage. Help me to be an example of true sanctification.
• Lord, please help me fight the natural tendency to be apathetic. Please give me renewed energy and excitement each day for the challenges and opportunities you provide.