Take It Home: Prepare for Jesus Day 1

Prepare with a Turnaround

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The prophet Isaiah wrote, “I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare the way for you.”

“A voice cries out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord! Make his paths straight!’ ” John the Baptizer was in the desert telling people about a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:2-4 GW

“Repenting simply means to change our mind about something. It’s a paradigm shift.
I used to think one way; now I think differently.”  – Rick Warren

You don’t have to read far into Mark’s Gospel to find Jesus frustrated because people refuse to change their minds. As I prepare this Advent it’s a good time to do a direction check. Am I running on God’s straight path or gotten lost on a goose chase? Am I so committed to thinking my way is the best way that I’ve lost God’s way? Am I stubbornly refusing to change my mind?

Wrap up in some silence this week and listen to the Spirit identify the turmoil in your life, the place where wheels are spinning, the wall you’re pushing on, the bog of disappointment. Consider what mind change God wants to give you about that situation. Use this verse for confidence as you have a conversational prayer with Jesus.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)