Preparing our hearts for the Kingdom of God (now)

"The people of Joseph replied, 'The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have iron chariots, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.'" - Joshua 17:16

Throughout biblical history and even today, men have always found ways and reasons not to follow or procrastinate the commands of God. We prefer to live in our own worldly pleasures and knowledge, than to seek the ways of God. Essentially, I think we occasionally lose the eternal perspective of our heavenly God. No doubt, it is tough and require alot of effort to constantly prepare our hearts for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Sometimes complacency comes in the way, and we think it is ok to be lazy/procrastinate or condone sin for a day, a week, a month, and before we realize it, years. But what we need to realize also is that, sin can only be kept effectively at bay by the grace of God in our lives, and not by our own effort.

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." - Luke 2:8-9

Unbeknownst to the shepherds, God came to meet them at a time when they least expected Him to do so. I quote, Oswald Chambers, "Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always int he most illogical situations. The only way a worker can keep true to God is by being ready for the Lord's surprise visits." And what he said is so true.

PRAYER:
"Dearest God, would you please help to always keep my vision focused on the treasures in heaven. Help me at all times to prepare my heart for your second judgment on Earth. Get rid of all complacency that is in me and grant me the wisdom that it is not by my own deeds, but by your mercy and grace that you've given me each day to keep my sights fixed on heaven. Help me to act with urgency for your heavenly Kingdom and also to constantly keep in prayer with You. In Jesus' highest name, I pray, Amen."