Keeping ourselves ready for the return of Jesus

(This podcast was previously published on February 2, 2021) Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney ... No one knows the exact day or hour that Jesus will return. But Peter tells us we must be ready continually for Jesus' return. 2 Peter 3:10-14 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. Throughout each day of our lives on this present earth we must live in peace, without spot and blameless. How we can do that? (Discussed on this Podcast.) ***** The first thing we should do is meditate on 2 Peter 3:14 until it becomes real in our daily lives that it causes us to conform our actions on this earth to living this scripture and allowing it to rule over that which we do throughout each day. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless. *** We must come to understand that this world and the things of this world are "temporary". And we must learn that our kingdom is not of this world. Everything that we can see with our natural eye will be destroyed by God at the end of this world. The only way we can live continually, daily in peace is by doing the following scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (The Word). This means when trouble comes, call on God for help. When there is any concern at all, turn to God in prayer and let your request be made unto God. If we have any dread about tomorrow, stop and pray to God. *** Jesus says: Luke 21 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but MY words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (over indulgence), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Watch: Be careful about how you are living each day. If you become angry with someone, turn to God immediately. Ask God to help you. Let God settle you quickly. Let not the sun go down on your wrath. Do not follow thoughts of devils. For he comes to steal, to kill, to destroy. Be sure the ideas you follow are from God. James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. *** Recently I stumbled into someone's sins. It wasn't until I finished talking by phone with this person that I realized what I had done. I also opened the door myself for trouble by sending him a "friendly" email. He called me and began discussing his adult aged children with me. After I finished the phone call, I felt a little strange. All through the phone call I kept holding back from wishing the son and daughter well. It was like the Spirit of God was stopping me. Then after the phone call I realized this man's son has been committing fornication for at least 3 years with a girlfriend. These people identify themselves as Catholic. I did not warn them about fornication. The Holy Spirit did not bring the subject of fornication into my mind so I think the door on that subject must be closed by God. (About 20 years ago, I spoke to this man concerning the sin of fornication which he was committing with his girlfriend when his two children were approximately 9 and 13 years old. His life is a tragedy. His wife was a lesbian and it is my understanding that she left with her "lover" and he raised his two children.) I did repent and ask God to forgive me two days later when I realized what had happened. I was very sorry for opening the door by sending that friendly email. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? ...