TODAY’S WORD FOR MONDAY JANUARY 18, 2016.
PREPARE
To put in proper condition or readiness; to make suitable for a specific purpose.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed. II Timothy 2:15.
Therefore, prepare your minds for action. I Peter 1:13 NIV.
As parents we learned fast that we needed to prepare our children for situations they would be facing in life. We recognized that we had the responsibility to train them to face life independently and make them ready not just physically and mentally, but more important spiritually. They needed to realize that all too soon the time would come when they would have to step out on their own to face the realities of life.
One of the ways that we prepared our children was to teach them to memorize each week a new verse from the Bible. This was done to prepare them spiritually so that God’s Word became an integral part of their life. We read the Bible to them and taught them to pray from an early age.
Let us look again to the Children of Israel for an example on being prepared. After God had parted the Jordan River for them to enter the land of Canaan, the children of Israel were anxious to conquer the surrounding nations so they could occupy the land God had promised them. You see the miracle of God parting the Jordan River gave them an attitude that they could conquer anything on their own. God however said, “Time out, not so fast!” God did not want them to rush into Canaan without being prepared.
The first thing that God wanted them to do in preparation was to set up a memorial of twelve stones. God had them do this so they would never forget that it was God who parted the Jordan River and that they belonged serving a God of might and power. God did not want them going in to conquer the Promised Land unprepared spiritually. The setting up of this memorial prepared them by reminding them to keep their focus on God and remember who was their guide and defender.
The second thing that God asked the Israelites to do was to circumcise every male. After God made the covenant (promise) with Abraham that He would make him the father of a great nation, God established that circumcision would be a symbol of cutting off the old life and beginning a new life with God. This was a sign that they were belonged to God.
The third thing that God required them to do was to celebrate the Passover which was a celebration of the night in Egypt that the angel of death passed over the Israelites homes sparing the lives of their first born. God wanted them to remember the mighty miracles of God that He had done in bringing them out of Egypt to the Promised Land.
Through these three steps of preparation God wanted the Children of Israel to understand the importance of putting their trust in Him and worshipping Him. They were to trust in God and in Him alone. They were to recognize that God is faithful and fulfills His promises thus He is the one that should receive the glory for any victory won.
Just as God wanted the Israelites to take time out before any battles and prepare for the challenge, He wants us to take time out daily to prepare for the challenges of the day that we may face. When you are obedient to God’s commandments and begin your day by seeking His guidance, He will lead you in the right direction and you will have victory over your challenges.
Our memory verse for this week is found in Joshua 1:8.
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Lord, keep me faithful to You every day and keep me mindful of the necessity to spend time with You reading Your Word and meditating in Your Word and praying. Encourage me in my low moments to remember all You have done for me and to take time out to spend time with You so You can prepare me for the challenges I may face daily.
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