Saturday, September 18, 2010

Preparing for Jesus

Greetings dear sisters in Christ! I hope this finds you all well.
Today has been a blessed day for me. I was running an errand when I bumped into a dear friend working across the street. After many smiles, a hug, and friendly conversation we agreed that she and her family would try to stop by after work. As I walked toward my car I felt a skip in my step, a joyous energy. . .company was coming! Once home I knew I had to get the house in order, pull the fall decorations out, and make cookies. I flew about the home setting fall knick knacks here, swiffering dust bunnies there, and lighting candles. Even though my guests would not see the laundry room, I worked on flipping loads. I worked with fervor all the while keeping one eye on the window; are they here yet? :o) Perhaps you too know this joyous feeling of waiting and preparing for someone you enjoy? Needless to say, we had a pleasant and good visit and I was so thankful for their time! Spring_Cleaning_1950s
 While preparing for my guests, I wondered if I would act the same if I ever had a “Jim dear” coming home to me. Will I anxiously prepare for my husband and lovingly bring him into a clean, orderly, and pretty home? Will I sweep away cob webs and fetch my decorations from the spider-infested garage without complaint all to please my home-coming prince? I then wondered if this is what Christ intends in my life, both physically and spiritually.   1 John 3:2-3 reads, 
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
Christ gives hope (hope of eternal love and life, forgiveness, victory and power, the hope to be holy and to be the sons of God, and so much more!). Because we have hope we are to purify ourselves. Webster’s 1828 dictionary has a very interesting definition of the word purify.
PU''RIFY, v.t. [L. purifico; purus, pure, and facio, to make.]

1. To make pure or clear; to free from extraneous admixture; as, to purify liquors or metals; to purify the blood; to purify the air.
2. To free from pollution ceremonially; to remove whatever renders unclean and unfit for sacred services.
Purify yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day purify all your raiment. Num.31.
3. To free from guilt or the defilement of sin; as, to purify the heart.
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Tit.2.
4. To clear form improprieties or barbarisms; as, to purify a language.
PU''RIFY, v.i. To grow or become pure or clear. Liquors will gradually purify.


Interesting, eh? To purify means to make clean, to prepare. This is similar to the preparation frenzy which occurred earlier today; I swept away the old because of the hope of fellowship, friendship, and company. In my Christian life I also need to prepare myself. Is my thought life lovely, pure, and pleasing to God? Am I seeking the lost knowing that their time is short? Do I really love my neighbor? Is my future laid before the Lord? Am a truly following Christ? To prepare for Christ means so much for the Christian. Let us seek His will and lay our lives fully in His awesome and capable hands!
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” II Corinthians 7:1
Oh, I have so much to learn! I am so thankful the Lord gave me a glimpse at what I need to be doing. . .by His grace, may He find me faithfully preparing myself for His coming!! :o)
“The king's daughter [is] all glorious within:” Psalms 45:13
May the Lord richly bless you sisters! Thank you to all who visit my blog, I hope that I may be a blessing and light in your busy day!
With much love,
Frannie

3 comments:

  1. This is an excellent reminder Frannie! I am married now, and I do try to be diligent about cleaning up and preparing our home so that it is nice and clean when my husband gets home, but I don't always do a very good job. Thank you for the reminder and encouragement! :-)

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  2. Thanks for your lovely comment you left over at our blog :-) I came over to see your blog and I think I may have found a new favorite :D This was such a good and encouraging post :) A perfect picture of what we need to be doing to get ready for our Heavenly Prince's coming!

    ~Jessica

    P.S. I *love* all your old fashioned pictures on the side!

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  3. Dear Brittany~ Oh I know what you mean! Sometimes it can be so hard, but I am thankful for our loved ones paitence. Many blessings as you persvere! Plus, you did a vonderfull jib on your cabinets!! :) Frannie

    Dear Jessica~ Thank you for visiting! I have found your blig very sweet and encouraging. I hope you all have a great time on your trip! With blessings, Frannie

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Hey there, darling!

I'd love to hear your thoughts -- leave a comment below and I'll do my best to give you a reply. There is nothing sweeter then hearing from my readers!

Love, blessings and a steaming cup of coffee,

Frannie Anne

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