Get ready

Prepare the way (Mark 1:3) 
I suspect this is a fundamental principle for God's dealings with his people: that the way must be prepared. 
For example, I am convinced that God provides all that his church needs for mission and ministry, but only when his church is ready to receive from his hand. The way must be prepared. All income must be tithed, so everyone knows a minimum of 10% is given away to the needy outside the church. No fundraising events for church funds must be taking place. All giving must be secret, so only God receives glory from the gift. The church must be committed to using its funds for the gospel and not for its own own glorification. The way must be prepared. Then and only then will the Lord visit his people with blessing. And even then they may have to learn to wait, to trust, to receive.
Just as John prepared the way for Jesus so too must we, by our lives and actions, our prayers and giving, our loves and living, prepare the way for God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit to come among us, in love and power.

Prepared for private prayer 

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