This devotion was supposed to be available some time Monday; however, I had nothing to write. I always ask the Lord to give me what to say. Nothing came until after 3 am, Tuesday morning. It’s all His timing and His desire and so…it is being made available at this time, as He has given to me.

17 years ago, people were preparing for catastrophic events of epic proportions. Some began replaying and believing the hit song released in 1982 by an artist named Prince entitled: “1999.”

Some predicted major computer systems would malfunction because of the inability to process the year 2000. In fact, I was working in Corporate America, implementing technical projects to account for the change. The problem even received its own name: “The Y2K bug.” Basically, the problem related to world systems calculating calendar data using a 2-year digit vs. 4-year digit formatting (e.g. ’73 vs. 1973). Everything had to be converted to account for all 4-digits of a given year.

Some were out buying water and food for their newly created emergency bunkers, just in case necessities were limited.

17 years later, Prince is gone, everything requires a 4-digit calendar year format as programmed, an African American President has been elected and served two terms in THESE United States and a President who never served in a political arena, is now elected as the President.

In 1997, when I graduated from college, I was uncertain of what the world would look like 3 years later. In fact, after listening to all of the news outlets, I was uncertain if I would even be living. 20 years later, it is 2017. 3 years from this calendar year, I cannot believe that I am fixing my mouth to say that it will be 2020. We are closer to the year 2020, than the infamous millennial scare that never happened to the extent predicted.

As I lay in bed, reflecting on life 20 years later. Married for almost 15 years, 5 children, and 20 years older, living today seems more scarier than ever; however I have the expectation of being here to say: “Happy New Year, in 2020!” That seems so strange. I don’t plan on leaving (shoot, I’ll only be 45) but I can’t fathom 2020…but shouldn’t I be making plans to? I live my life spiritually in preparation to have the opportunity to meet Jesus on peaceful terms, but the day-to-day stresses of life are all plans. To. Stay. Here. What about you?

I recall in the late 90’s there being a since of urgency to establish a spiritual relationship with the Lord. Since the year 2000 has come and gone, the love of many has gone cold.

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matthew‬ ‭24:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It is amazing how we can sense that something not so good is on the horizon and yet we do nothing about it. All because we cannot physically see it. We feel it, but we cannot see it. Hmmm- that’s kind of like Jesus. We can trace Him, we can feel Him, but we cannot see Him and because we have not experienced Jesus in the physical realm, the words of God are mere words written in a book, that has been reproduced, although its knowledge and prophecies have withstood the test of time. The words written in the Bible do not produce enough of an accountability factor to keep us spiritually aligned and connected with our Father. We become so easily distracted. There is no fight to separate from sinful temptation.

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth; that is what the first sentence of the first book of the Bible (Genesis) reads. We sit and live within the creation of God; and this written statement is proof that God is real, yet it is not enough to produce a strong conviction to give up our sinful ways.

In the next to the last sentence, of the last book of the Bible (Revelation) we find where Jesus states: “Surely, I am coming quickly.” Because quickly does not equate to our personal definition, we have become slothful in the business of the Kingdom of God.

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark‬ ‭16:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

What are you preparing for? Preparation is a long term action. Preparation implies that the desired goal is not immediate, but is in the future. Preparation means that the short term goals fulfill a futuristic objective. Preparation gives way to opportunity. What is the opportunity you ask? Just as you live in a prophetic entity as stated in Genesis 1:1, so shall you witness the physical presence and existence of Jesus Christ.

Don’t miss the opportunity to know Jesus, because your mind cannot process the 5W’s: Who, what, when, where and why.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star. He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” Revelation‬ ‭22:16, 20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I am preparing for the opportunity to live with my Savior.