It seems like my entire life I've been preparing for something.  As a Pastor I'm preparing to speak every Sunday and a lot through out the week.  As a school teacher (taught in public schools for 9 years) I was always preparing lessons and lesson plans.  As an athlete I was preparing for the season and or games.  Just seems as if I'm always preparing for what is coming up next.

Last Wednesday I received an emergency phone call (read yesterdays blog) and started making preparations to fly 3,000 miles across the country.  As I jumped into my truck Thursday morning I glanced at the gas gage.  It was FULL.  I seldom allow my tank below 1/2 a tank.  Deb always makes fun of me but I try to explain you have to be prepared for the unexpected.  I had plenty of gas to get to the airport and back.  My tank wasn't even close to empty.

Jesus tells us to be prepared.  In other words, to have the tank full and sitting on ready:

Matthew 24:44 
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

None of us know when Jesus will return so we have to be preparing.  So many of God's children are running around with less than a quarter of a tank and when emergencies happen they are struggling.  Fill those spiritual tanks this holiday season by spending time in God's Word, prayer, attending several worship services, giving more than receiving, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Fill those tanks so that when the unexpected happens, you'll be prepared .

And remember, every day you prepare is another day closer to the return of Jesus.

Some random thoughts:
* So glad to be home
* Sunday after next is already finished.  We'll be looking at what Jesus will be doing on his return.
* This Sunday is almost finished.  I can promise you this, it will be a Christmas service like you've never experienced before.
* Had an incredible prayer time this morning.
* Met with my 6 coaches this morning as we continue looking at Exodus and Moses leadership styles.
* Staying home for dinner tonight and playing Rummie with the family, can't wait. 
* Invite, invite, invite your unchurched friends for this Sunday.  Promise you they'll enjoy it.
* Praying for God to do some BIG stuff this Sunday.
* Friday night is my marriage improvement Christmas party at our house.  The place will be rocking.
* Tomorrow night is the ladies cookie swap at our house.  I wanted to attend and taste, but I've been banned.
* Saturday one of my cousins from Florida is coming to visit and spend the night.  Can't wait to see them.
* Going to get a hair cut and work out.
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