Are You Ready?

By Julie Simpson

Are You Ready is about the fundamentals of having a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also about preparing for the end times as spoken of throughout the Bible by the prophets and in the book of Revelation. It is purposely written for those who do not know Jesus or are new to the faith. However, I believe that anyone reading it will learn something new. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I did researching and writing it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685262860

Book preview

Spiritually Wake Up!

Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which

is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell

where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is

born of the Spirit."

—John 3:5–8

In this scripture Jesus was talking with Nicodemus. Nicodemus had asked Jesus, How can a man be born when he is old? and, also, Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born! Nicodemus was not spiritually awake. He did not understand that the Lord was offering him salvation. Being born again, spiritually awakened, means to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior—to turn from the ways of this world and to focus on and serve Him. If you have not given your life to Him and asked Him into your heart, consider it. But don’t take too much time. Once the Lord returns, it will be too late.

Sinner’s Prayer: Lord, I believe in You. I am a sinner. I humbly ask You to forgive me of my sins. Have mercy on me, Lord. At this moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, to live in my heart forever. Please come into my heart and life and change me, Lord.

Day 1

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

—Colossians 3:1–4

Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are a new person. Your sins are forgiven, and you have been washed by the blood of Jesus. It’s time to start your journey with Him. It’s time to wake up and be vigilant. Guard your salvation as the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Our greatest weapon is the Word of God. Immerse yourself in His Word, and when troubles come, you will not be shaken. He walks with us every second of our life. He loves you!

Action: Read the Bible. If you are new to it, start with the New Testament and the book of John. Next, read the rest of the New Testament and then go back and read the other three gospels. Once you have absorbed the New Testament, read the Old Testament.

*****

Reflection:

Day 2

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

—Revelation 1:1–3

John was exiled to the island of Patmos when he was given the words of Revelation. He was alone, tired, and ready to go to his heavenly home that Jesus promised when He walked with the apostles. He had served the Lord for many years and been through many trials and tribulations. Yet, through it all he remained faithful and trusting in the Lord. Are you trusting in Jesus? Have you read His Word? Are you ready to be home with Him? The times of Revelation are near. What is keeping you from turning to Him for His salvation and eternal promises?

Action: Read Matthew, chapters 24 and 25. Absorb what He is saying and meditate on His Word. Soak it in. Pray, and then listen for the Lord to speak to you. Are you hearing His still small voice? Read the Old Testament and the story of Elijah when he fled to Horeb in 1 Kings 19:1–18.

Reflection:

Day 3

What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

—Romans 6:1–4

Paul provided words for us to live by throughout the Epistles. He tells us time and time again to repent and to not give in to sin. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. We must ask continually for Him to give us self-control. We must not let our fleshly desires spin out of control. We must be disciplined and choose to die to our flesh and live in Him. We have a greater reward waiting in heaven for us, if we do the will of the Lord.

Action: Take time to get away and examine your life. Are you continuing to sin? Are you sinning the same thing over and over again? If so, you are truly not repentant. Now is the time to repent and turn away from the old self and focus on the Lord and His will for your life.

Reflection:

Day 4

However, when