(Jesus said) "Therefore stay awake -- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning -- lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake." Mark 13:35-37

It was a good many years ago the government's first high-altitude balloon was launched from Wallops Island, Virginia.

In the days before NASA or good public-relations people, no advanced notice or announcement was given to the local residents.

As a result, when the locals looked up into the sky, they saw a new light which had just materialized, a light which had never been there before.

It took but a few moments for the news to spread and everyone had some explanation for the unanticipated phenomenon. Some said it was space invaders; others thought some foreign enemy was invading.

When the light grew brighter, one person said, "You know, it's just possible that it's Jesus coming back." After a moment's ponder, her neighbor replied, "Oh, I hope not, and I sure hope He doesn't come to my house first."

Now you and I know that when the Lord comes back, His return is going to be for everyone and it's going to happen at the same time.

Even so, it is an interesting thought: If Jesus were to return and if He were to single out your house for His initial appearance, would you be ready? Understand, He won't care if the floors are clean, the mantle has been dusted or the laundry is completed.

He wants to know if your heart and your soul are in order.

He hopes it is. So that our sins can be forgiven, so our lives might have a new and better purpose is why He came into this world the first time. It would be right and proper that when He arrives the second time, He finds His people watching and ready to greet Him warmly.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, there are all kinds of things in my life which are distracting. In spite of them may I learn to keep my focus on Your gifts of salvation and the day when You will return for the world as a unit or for me as a person. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Hosea 9-11    Romans 15:14-33

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