Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. 

[Luke 12:35-36 NRSV]

Be dressed for action! Have you lamps lit!

What a great thought as we begin the week. I wonder how often we miss God’s will in our lives not because it isn’t plain enough to see but that we aren’t prepared enough to act. We typically find ourselves in one of three stages: preparing, doing, recharging. Doing and recharging are straightforward stages. 

But what does preparing look like? Being dressed and having lighted lamps is what Jesus would say. Having a plan to care for our relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit may be one way we can do just that. When and where will you study and pray? Do you have moments of silence and solitude mapped out for the week? How about Sabbath? Are you already planning to attend worship next week?What do you need to do on Monday to allow these important relationship building things to happen? All of this will not simply happen. We must get dressed and have our lamps lit.