This could be the rapture/harpazo/escape from all watch exercise that actually goes live. It fits perfectly, this idea that the Lord comes back during a time of rejoicing because He came into this world to save humanity. The world stage is also set to begin the time of Jacob's trouble. If/when the Lord does come back we want to be those on the earth who have their lamps lit and full of oil. We want to be waiting at the door, ready to open it on the first knock so we can tell Him "we've been expecting you Lord!"
To prepare for the possible catching away of the Church to the clouds to meet our Lord, we want to:
1. Be unencumbered/weighed down by sin, doubt, fear, greed, the love of this world.
2. Repent of all our sins both known and unknown to us
3. Offer ourselves as living sacrifices today, holy and pleasing in His sight
4. Reject this world and everything it has to offer. We consider the delights of the heart of man to be a stinking pile of garbage compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing and loving Him.
5. Ask the Lord to fill us once again daily to overflowing with His Holy Spirit.
6. Make Him, His Spirit our treasure on this earth and our treasure in heaven. Nothing on earth or in heaven compares with Him. We gladly exchange all of ourselves (body/soul/spirit/present/future/past) for all of Him. What a deal!!!
7. We ask/pray: Lord God Almighty, Father in heaven if you are sending our Lord Jesus Christ back to remove the Church off the earth-we want to go home to be with You. We reject this world and everything it has to offer, we choose to spend today and tomorrow and the rest of eternity with You where You are.
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This could be the real deal guys. While this world is distracted with a million and one other things, the Lord comes back, takes His Bride home and turns the world upside down. When the Lord comes down to the clouds to retrieve us, we want to be the ones easiest to spot. From the clouds He should be able to see our lamps burnings brightly and full of oil. Now is the time to be rejoicing, praying and giving thanks:
1 Thess 5
16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The world can take care of itself for the next 11 days, lets fix our gaze on the Lord Jesus Christ over this time and be ready to greet Him when/if He comes for us. After all, a focus on Him is what Christmas is all about! :)
Glory to God!
grace and peace
