Our Guide in Following Jesus

Imagine yourself going on a trip. You have decided on a hiking trip in Ecuador, South America. The terrain is filled with equal amounts of beauty and danger.

To get ready for the vacation you research what kind of clothing to wear, the proper hiking boots, insect repellant, tools to equip for any situation, and you have hired a guide because you have heard stories of people getting lost.

Preparation is key to an enjoyable and successful trip. Just as you would prepare for a trip, a child of God is required to be prepared.

Jesus, Son of God, blazed the trail. He said go this way and you will not stumble. Take these things with you and be prepared. Do this and you will be blessed. Stick close to me and I will be with you. Before he left, he even said I am sending you a guide, the Holy Spirit. He will teach you and counsel you. Because of him The Father and I will always be with you.

The path is easy when you know the way. You are never alone. When the Holy Spirit was dispensed on all God’s children He came to live in our hearts and to be with us. He is in us and with us. It is he, the Holy Spirit, that reveals things to us about the Father and the Son. He is our teacher. He gives us understanding when we read the Bible.

It is through the power of the Holy Spirit we can fellowship with God and get direction from him.   Be prepared, Jesus said it over and over again. He talked about ‘The Day of the Lord’ when he would return. Joel prophesied in the Old Testament about this day. He spoke the Father’s words. He said “...before the coming of the great and dreadful day.” *

When I read this, I realized it was great for those prepared, dreadful for those who are not. Joel went on to say, “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” * Now I can rest with the knowledge that when Jesus comes back, I will proclaim “Jesus is Lord!” *Joel 2:28-32  

Jesus said, “At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” * I looked up the word ‘drawing’ in Webster's dictionary, to bring in or gather from a specified group. The word ‘drawn’ also helps in understanding Jesus’ words. It means to pull up or out of a place from where you are and be carried. *Luke 21:27-28  

God wants us to have a pleasant and successful life while we wait for Jesus’ return. He opened all the doors for us to receive his abundant grace and love. He poses the questions; do you know Jesus is Lord? Are you prepared?