Bear Necessities

2 Peter 3:10-13

If only we had a heads up on life’s curve balls! Wouldn’t it be great to be prepared for any situation?! I want to be like Bear Grylls – fearless and prepared for anything that comes his way. Bear seems to anticipate all possibilities and not dread them. He enjoys running into the “unexpected.”

Recently I went through an Alpha course and was pleasantly surprised to see Bear’s face on the screen. I didn’t know he had such a strong faith. I decided to google him and found multiple articles about his walk with God. I clicked on one story written a few months ago by Bear himself for British GQ. Again, pleasantly surprised to find such a story in this publication.

Bear wrote, “when we’re truly afraid and there’s no one around to help us, to possess a quiet faith can give us a persistence, light and courage that is so much greater than simply ourselves.” Later he says, “For many years I tried to do without it (faith). I tried to be strong only in myself. But the truth is that I’m not. I need a helping hand, a peace within and that quiet assurance for my future…I am no longer too proud to admit that I need my Saviour beside me.” He ends by saying, “Each fresh challenge offers an opportunity for you to develop your adventurous spirit and inner strength. So be brave. Embrace faith wherever you may find it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

After reading this, I understood where Bear’s confidence comes from. He knows he could die doing what he does, but it doesn’t seem to faze him because he knows where he’s going and that there’s a wonderful new heaven and new earth waiting.

Prepare Yourself

Romans 13:8-14

 

Prep work is always the most important part of a job. Take painting for instance.

 

For an indoor job, first you have to remove everything hanging on the wall including all the outlet and light switch covers. Then you repair any drywall damage and fill holes. It’s always a good idea to sand down the wall too. Next, you may need to put a coat of primer on depending on the existing wall color and the new color.

 

Before you start to roll the final coat, you must cut in around all the trim. And before cutting in, most people will apply blue tape to protect the trim. Finally, you get to roll the beautiful paint that you have selected. Then, when it’s all done, your spouse comes along, looks at it and points to a spot that you missed… Good preparation is essential.

 

Paul understood the importance of preparation. He wrote, ^11 “Another reason for right living is this: you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed.”           TLB

 

In other words, we need to be ready; to be prepared for when the Lord returns. We can’t be lazy. We always have to be on high alert, as if a terrorist attack was eminent. We

always have to be motivated to do our best. However, doing that “day in and day out” is difficult.

 

I went to a motivational workshop once where one of the speakers said that he took the attitude every day that today was the last day before he went on vacation. You know how it is before going on vacation. You’re trying to get everything done that you would normally do during vacation, only get it done before vacation.

 

Peter also understood the importance of preparation. ^13 “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep a clear head, and set your hope completely on the grace to be given you when Jesus, the Messiah, is revealed.”  ISV

 

This verse begs the question: Why do you prepare your mind for action? James gives us the answer. ^14 “Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. ¹⁵ These

evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God.”           TLB

 

From these verses, and our own experience, we know that sin begins with a fleeting thought or desire. Therefore, preparing our mind and heart for action is critical in our relationship with Christ.

 

If we know why we should “prepare our mind for action”, then how do we do it? For me it includes daily time in the Scriptures and meditation on God’s word, talking to and listening for God to speak, participation in worship, in singing, in fellowship and in accountability with other believers.

 
 

Prepare yourself. How do you do it?

 

 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2013%3A8-14&version=NIV;TLB

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Rom.13.8-Rom.13.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A motto to live by

Great mottos inspire.  Isn’t it amazing how well an ideal, aspiration or belief can be captured and expressed in so few words?

Some mottos move us to reach beyond past accomplishments ...
       Rethink Possible – AT&T
       Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, higher, stronger) – The Olympic games
Some extol a specific value or virtue ...
       Quality is job one – Ford
       Semper Fidelis (Always faithful) – United States Marine Corps
Others are simple, practical calls to action ...
       Save Money. Live Better. – Walmart
       Just do it – Nike

So whose motto do we find embedded in this, Peter’s admonition to us all:  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”? 

You probably spotted it.  While “Be prepared” has motivated the Boy Scouts for decades, it has inspired Christians for centuries.  We who have entrusted our very lives to Christ are called into action and to “Be prepared” to share our reason for this great hope.  So how do we answer those who ask about our hope in Christ?  How will we respond?

Like Kodak, we can “Share moments. Share life.”  People are usually interested in how others have found freedom, peace and joy in their lives.  Whether we share our own stories or the remarkable stories of others, people will listen.

Like Canon EOS, the prophets beckon all to come and “See what we mean.”  The Old Testament prophets proclaimed in startling detail the eventual coming of the Christ.  Through Isaiah’s description of the suffering servant ... Daniel’s foretelling the exact time of Jesus’ birth ... Malachi’s naming the birthplace of him who would be our peace ... and many others, God promised his Messiah to the whole world.  Their voices still call us to come and see for ourselves these promises and God's faithfulness in keeping them.

As did the believing founders of Harvard University, we can proclaim “Veritas” (truth).  God’s word is truth and its power lies therein; we need only to speak it.  In the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Do not try to make the Bible relevant.  Its relevance is axiomatic.  Do not defend God's word, but testify to it.  Trust to the word.  It is a ship loaded to the very limits of its capacity.” 

Declare Christ’s atonement for our sin to be, like Ajax, “Stronger than dirt.”  Deep inside, we all know of our guilt and shame.  We try so hard to justify it, blame it, deny it or make amends for it, but our moral failures cling to us and we cannot wash them away.  People need to know that Jesus has done for us what we could not do ourselves – he has cleansed us from all guilt and shame.

With Samsung, we announce, “Everyone's invited.”  Jesus death and resurrection has purchased salvation for all, redemption for all, righteousness for all, atonement for all, life for all.  People need only to entrust their lives to him and what he has done for all.

                                                                      *****

Yes, we must “Be prepared” to give an answer for our hope.  And then we simply trust.  For when we join the “Spirit in motion” [The Paralympic Games], our words have “The power to do more” [Dell], and “The possibilities are infinite” [Fujitsu]. 

So “Jump in” [Xbox 360]!  For “Impossible is nothing” [Adidas].

“I'm lovin’ it” [McDonalds].

[Click here to see the daily reading in 1 Peter 3:8-17.]

Ready or Not Here I Come! Matthew 25:1-13

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)

Do you remember playing hide and seek as a child? It was always so much fun finding just the right spot to stump the “seeker”. I remember the butterflies I would get in my stomach when I heard the words, “ready or not here I come.” Not wanting to be found, I’d hold perfectly still and wait as the search began.

Our scripture verse today reminds me of the anticipated words, “ready or not here I come.” Jesus explains how the kingdom of heaven is like ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of the virgins were not prepared for the groom’s arrival, since they didn’t know when he would appear. While they were out trying to get their act together the bridegroom appears and takes with him the five brides who were ready.

This passage is so timely since just yesterday my father heard the call of the bridegroom. I am thankful that he was prepared for the journey. We didn’t know the day or the hour when Jesus would call him home and my father knew that.  He did not waste time, instead he lived his life preparing for his journey to heaven.

When my father heard Jesus say, “Come out, come out where ever you are” he was ready to go.

Read today’s passage at Biblegateway Matthew 25:1-13

Lamp in a Dark Place -- 2 Peter 3:16-21

Have you experienced total darkness? When I was in high school I went on a tour to see the inside of a cave. Deep in the cave, our guide said the lights would be turned off so we could experience the darkness. When the lights went out, we were covered by total darkness. The silence was chilling. I didn't move as I feared falling or stepping into danger. I remember the moment when our guide lit a lamp so we could see her face as she continued telling us about the cave. My focus was on the only light in the darkness.

I don't like to be in dark places due to my experience in the cave. I always look for exits when I'm in strange places to be prepared to get out if necessary. I don't want to put my trust in someone else to lead me to safety. They may not know where they are going!

Today's scripture reminds me to be careful not to be led into darkness by people who pretend to know the gospel. Reading and studying scripture is essential to prepare myself and keep confusion from entering my mind and heart. God's Words are like a light shining through the darkness helping me grow more and more in the grace and understanding of Jesus Christ, my Savior.

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Read today's text on Biblegateway, 2 Peter 3:16-21.

Company is Coming -- Mark 1:1-8

When my family is coming for a visit I prepare for this special company. Extra effort is put into cleaning and sprucing up the house. Particular attention is paid to the guestroom. Flowers may be placed on a table; the windows cleaned so that the sun can shine in and brighten up the area. It is important to make the house welcoming and warm.

The visit is much more pleasant when things are prepared ahead of time. We can concentrate on enjoying each others company and not have to stop and clean the house or arrange a place for guests to sleep.

John the Baptist is telling people someone special is about to arrive and this is good news. (Mark 1:3 "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'") John is instructing the crowds to prepare to be amazed and prepare to change, clean your house, so to speak, get ready. The special guest is Jesus and the Good News is that He brings salvation to all who believe. To those who believe He also gives them the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:8 “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.")

Dear God,
Prepare me for your arrival. Show me what I need to do to enjoy my time with you; what area needs special attention before your appearance? How can I get my heart ready for you? Amen.

Read the Scripture text on Biblegateway Mark 1:1-8 

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