Prepare

 

John shouted
prepare the way
clear the road
and baptized the weary

so we can walk
hearts ablaze
into our King’s
light and glory.

**********

You establish preparations.

**********

“In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, ‘Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’ The prophet Isaiah was speaking of John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming !
Clear the road for Him!’ “

Matthew 3:1-3

**********

Image from The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp, page 207..

Who Am I?

 

” . . .Who do men say that I am? ”  Mark 8:27 NKJV

“And they answered, ‘John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.’ ”  Mark 8:28  NKJV

“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ ”  Mark 8:29

It’s good for me to listen and read who others say He is.

Thank You, Lord, that I can also know who You are for myself.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

You do
all things well

and are here
for everyone

being who we need
at any given moment

Healer, Savior, Friend
and Christ the Son.

God bless you as He reveals Himself to you today!

The Coming One

“And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples
and said to Him, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ”  Matthew 11:2-3 NKJV

Jesus wasn’t offended that they asked, but told them all that He was doing.

Thank You, Lord, for taking the time to show us Who You are.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

The Coming One
had come
but not as
some expected

not with the pomp
of an earthly king
but preaching to the poor
and cleansing lepers.

God bless you as you listen for Him to tell you who He is for you today!

 

Straight Paths

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!'”  Matthew 3:7 NKJV

“For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness
Prepare the way of the Lord,
Make His paths straight.”   (Isaiah 40:3)  Matthew 3:8  NKJV

What lengths God goes to that we may come to Him.

Thank You, Lord, for smoothing a path for me to come to You.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Every step
throughout my life
You were there
smoothing a way

so that when
the time was right
I’d run straight
to You that day.

God bless your path to Him!

With What We Have

“Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:9
“So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” Luke 3:10

John the Baptist goes on to tell the people that if they have two tunics and someone has none, to give one away. Same goes with food. Tax collectors weren’t to collect more than they should. And soldiers weren’t to intimidate or falsely accuse, being content with their wages. (Luke 3:11-14)

Thank You, Lord, that in order to bear fruit, we don’t need to have more, be more or give more than what You have already given us. And here’s a simple poem . . .

What To Bear

Extra canned goods
clutter the pantry

unworn clothes
hang about

asking to be blessings
instead of burdens

I basket them up
and head on out.

Fruits of Repentance

“Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance. . .”  Matthew 3:8

John was talking to the Pharisees, but I hear him talking to me as well.  I can say I’m sorry and confess my sins.  But when I repent, I turn away from what I’m doing and face Jesus.  The results of that act will always show up.

Jesus, please help me keep turning to You and away from sin. Here’s a simple poem . . .

Taking Sorry One Step Further

I can say I’m sorry
– and even really mean it
but it won’t make much difference
– in my life or theirs
but if I repent
– and turn to face You, Jesus
everything changes
– when I see You standing there.