Today's Passage - Matthew 25:1-13

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Matthew 25:1-13      "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."   The difference between being wise and foolish is not whether one is eager. Actually, all ten virgin were eager, otherwise they wouldn't have waited till midnight. The difference between being wise and foolish is whether one is prepared. We all eager for the coming of the Lord and His revival, but the question is whether we are prepared to welcome the Lord's return and His work.   Years ago, California suffered severe drought, so we kept on praying for the weather, asking God to send rain. When rain actually came, however, many of us weren't too happy, because when it rained we found that the roof wasn't fixed and became leaky, and drainage wasn't working and caused flooding all over. Because we were not prepared, we weren't able to enjoy the grace of God. In the same manner, we can long for God and wait for His coming, but have you prepared your heart to accept the Lord? We must first fix the roof and make sure drainage is working well in our lives, so that Spirit of God can move freely. We need to prepare first, not only to be eager for God, but also be well-prepared. Let God's Spirit shine upon us and move among us to remove everything that hinders the work of God, and God's Spirit will be able to flow freely in our lives to accomplish His work.   This analogy is not about love, but rather specifically about preparation. The Lord stressed on preparation, and no one else can prepare on your behalf. You must come before God to prepare your own heart, and no one else can do it for you. Jesus will come back again, and great revival will come at this end time. Are we prepared to welcome the Lord's return and revival?   Pray with Pastor Tong     Lord, I ask that you shine you light on us, so that we will not only have a heart that longs for you, but we will also be prepared for the revival of the end time, become your vessel and be used by you. May you add to our strength and make us blessing to many in our daily life. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!