Hi Everyone,

 

Recently I was reading Luke 8:40 (NLT).

"On the other side of the lake, the crowds received Jesus with open arms because they had been waiting for Him."

It made me stop and think, 'Are we waiting for Jesus' return? Are we eagerly waiting with open arms?' The Message Bible says. "On His return, Jesus was welcomed by a crowd. They were all expecting Him."

 Are we Christians still expecting Him to return & are we ready to welcome Him?

After chatting to people of different denominations I was saddened to hear that many are not waiting and ready for Jesus' return! There are many reasons why, but here are some replies:

- 'People have been waiting since He died and He's still not back!'

- 'Maybe we misinterpreted the scripture, maybe we'll just meet Him when we die.'

- 'Haha! I was saved over 20 years ago and we thought it was going to happen then!'

- 'Yes, I believe He will come back, but it could still be hundreds of years away!'

- 'I don't know anymore, I don't really think about it.'

 Well, one thing we do know for sure is that Jesus is not a liar! If He said He's coming back then He'll be back!!
 
Read - John 14:3, Matthew 24:39,42, Matthew 25:13, 1 Corinthians 11:26, Luke 17:26.
 

We have no control or say over when it will happen but we know it will!

Our part is to be ready and waiting. Waiting to welcome Him with open arms!

I believe too often we lose our focus and allow the issues, our cares, situations, circumstances to fill our minds, our hearts and our lives and we've become just like everyone else in the world, troubled, anxious, confused and far too busy!

A lot of the time, unfortunately, we can't tell the difference between the saved and unsaved! Yes, we all face problems, sickness and trials in our lives, let's be real, but we need not be afraid and anxious, in fact, we can still be at peace knowing that we are not alone or abandoned, God's still in control, He's not surprised!

So perhaps this is a good time to refocus and refresh our relationship with God and be ready and waiting to welcome Jesus with open arms when He returns!

So I ask you... are you ready and waiting?

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do but encourage and warn one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25)

 

God bless you all and have a great week!

Love Giovanna!