Matthew 25:1-13

“But the wise ones took their lamps and also brought containers of oil.” (Matthew 25:4, CEB)

It’s rare for my wife’s gas tank to get below half. I’ll often hear her say, “I need to stop and get gas” when there’s still plenty in the tank. She likes to be ready for whatever. I, on the other hand, fill up when the price is right!

Everybody is different. Some plan well ahead for every contingency while others play it by ear, shoot from the hip, take things as they come. Most of us are somewhere in between. When it comes to important things, though, I like to be prepared.

I do most of the planning for our vacations and excursions, planning the route we’ll drive, the time we need to leave and/or arrive at the stops along the way, even which restaurants we’ll hit (and of course a well-timed Buc-ees visit!) all in preparation for a stress-free journey. (or as stress-free as possible!) I like to be prepared, too.

This is important for our spiritual life as well.

Putting off the condition of our heart and soul until some other time, when it is more convenient, when I have time, after I retire, is a risky choice. (See Tuesday’s story.) Maybe it’s better to be prepared.

You’re reading this! That’s a great step. Maybe you’ve also read the scripture for today or even prayed a simple prayer. These are all good ways to develop our soul. But it takes more than a devotional in more than a season to grow faith. It takes a lifetime. And there’s no better time than now to begin. It’s not too late!

Grab your lamp, fill it with oil, gather some friends, open a Bible, start a conversation, open a bag of Beaver Nuggets, and open your soul to the One who made you, redeemed you, and loves you more than you will ever know.

That’s the preparation that will get you ready for whatever is to come!

Peace ><>

Chris