Storm Prep

Storm preparation...it usually hits right when we're in the middle of a big project and have a whole bunch of stuff outside.  Here in El Paso, the weather is usually very cooperative in terms of being able to leave things outside.  But then we get word that a storm is coming or that the wind will be bad.

The storm prep usually hits at the busiest times or at the end of the day when the body is tired.  It usually means hauling a bunch of heavy things back indoors and quickly reorganizing and dragging out tarps to cover what we don't have space for.  It's not fun, and I usually do not enjoy it.

Ah, but when that storm comes, what peace of mind.  All that time spent in preparing for the storm pays off.  I can stay indoors, dry, warm and comfortable, while the rain pours down or the wind kicks up.  I am not concerned about things getting damaged or ruined.

Spiritually we face storms, too.  Did you know that you can do spiritual "storm prep"?  In those times of quiet and rest, we can purpose to take care of our spiritual business.  We can spend time in prayer and Bible study.  We can make things right with others.  We can spend time in praise and worship, seeking His face.  If we do it now, then we will have peace and comfort during the storm.  Storm prep, unfortunately, doesn't just happen.

Travel to Emmaus Every Day

Luke 24:13-15 (NKJV) "Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them."

Imagine--you hear about this Jesus of Nazareth for three years. You hear His radical teachings and maybe you even witness some of His miracles for yourself. Then those awful days come when Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified in Jerusalem. And when you're still trying to process all of that, you begin to hear rumors that He is risen from the dead.

The two people traveling back to Emmaus certainly had a lot to think about and discuss on their seven-mile journey. But how amazing is it that Jesus showed up to walk with them? And not only that, He Himself took the time to explain to them what had just happened:

Luke 24:25-27 (NKJV) "Then He said to them, 'O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?' And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."

Do you ever find yourself with questions about Jesus and what is in the Bible? Do you know that you can have a personal relationship with Jesus in which He can talk to you and explain things to you just like He did for the two travelers on the way to Emmaus?

John 10:2-4, 27 (NKJV) (Jesus speaking) "But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice...My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

James 1:5 (NKJV) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Just ask.  Then the trick is to wait for an answer.  It will come.  Maybe in the moment, maybe at a later time.  But believe that God will answer.