I have a list of items which we need to remember to take with us (towels, wash cloths, bug repellent, matches, flashlights (with batteries!!), lawn chairs, portable radio, cooler, pillows, knife, first aid kit, etc, etc, etc....). In addition, I have another list, on which I've begun to plan out our meals for the week. A simple breakfast is planned for Sunday morning (to allow sufficient time to travel to services). What kind of snacks will we have around the campfire? What foods will we need to take, and how much of each? It's important to make adequate preparations.

Now, if we miss something in preparing for our camping trip, perhaps it will not be as fun as it otherwise would have been. Maybe, whatever we forget, we'll be able to pick up at a local store. But it is wise to make ready beforehand, to know what we need, and to have supplied it.

Jesus taught,
"...the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps... at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (Matthew 25:1-4, 6-13)

Friend, have you made the necessary preparations for your soul? Are you ready to meet the bridegroom?