🏆 Are You Ready? Living Each Day in the Light of His Return

The return of Jesus Christ is one of the most profound and hope-filled promises in Scripture. It is not a fantasy or fiction — it is reality. Yet, as time moves on and the distractions of daily life increase, many believers grow sleepy, complacent, or forgetful about this glorious event. This post is a wake-up call: Are you ready? Are you truly living your life in the light of His return?

1. The Promise of His Return

Jesus didn't leave us without a roadmap. Before He ascended to heaven, He left a clear promise:

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go... I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” — John 14:1-3 (KJV)

This is not a metaphor. This is not poetic language. It is a declaration of a future reality: Jesus will come again. He’s coming not only to fulfill prophecy, but also to bring His people home.

2. What Does It Mean to Be Ready?

Being ready for His return isn’t about panic or fear. It's about living with daily awareness, holy expectation, and spiritual discipline. It’s a lifestyle, not a moment of sudden realization. Readiness is proven by how we live when we think no one is watching.

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” — Matthew 24:44 (KJV)

Christ’s return will be sudden. There won’t be time to go back and fix a double life, mend a broken relationship, or finally obey a call you’ve been ignoring. Are you living as if Jesus could come back today?

3. The Signs of the Times

Jesus gave us clues — signs that would mark the season of His return: wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, moral decline, persecution of the church, and false prophets. These aren’t just headlines — they are warnings.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars... For nation shall rise against nation... and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” — Matthew 24:6-7 (KJV)

We’re living in the season of prophetic acceleration. These signs are not meant to scare us but to awaken us. Are you still sleeping spiritually, or are you watching, praying, and preparing?

4. Living as a Wise Servant

Jesus told the parable of the wise and foolish servants. The wise servant is faithful even when his master delays. He does not live to please himself, but continues in duty, accountability, and purpose.

“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” — Matthew 24:46 (KJV)

Don't live carelessly just because He hasn't come yet. Don't say “there's still time.” Tomorrow isn’t promised — but eternity is. Keep your oil burning. Be watchful.

5. The Bride and the Bridegroom

The return of Christ is like the return of a bridegroom for His bride — unexpected but joyous. The wise virgins in Matthew 25 had oil in their lamps, ready to meet the bridegroom. The foolish were shut out.

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” — Matthew 25:13 (KJV)

Have you trimmed your lamp? Is your life filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit? Are you ready to be caught up in glory or will you be left knocking, crying, “Lord, Lord, open to us”?

6. Living in Holiness and Purity

No man can predict the exact hour of Christ’s return, but the Bible is clear — He is returning for a bride without spot or wrinkle. Holiness is not an option; it’s a necessity.

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” — 1 John 3:3 (KJV)

What sin are you excusing that you need to confess? What habits are entangling your walk? If you knew Jesus was returning at midnight tonight, what would you do differently today?

7. Be Found Doing His Will

The mark of readiness is not just about staying clean but staying busy — working in the Father’s vineyard. Your salvation is not just a ticket to heaven; it’s a call to labor for souls.

“Occupy till I come.” — Luke 19:13 (KJV)

Are you serving, giving, praying, witnessing, building the Kingdom? Don't be a buried-talent Christian. Time is short. Eternity is forever. Your purpose is not just for earth — it's to be ready to meet your Master.

8. Guarding Against Deception

In the last days, deception will increase. False teachers, diluted doctrines, and counterfeit miracles will abound. The enemy knows his time is short and he will try to drag many down with him.

“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” — Matthew 24:5 (KJV)

You must stay grounded in truth. Read your Bible. Know what God says. The Holy Spirit is your compass, not culture. Don’t trade eternal truth for temporary comfort.

9. Encouraging One Another with This Hope

The return of Jesus isn’t just something we keep quietly in our hearts. It’s a hope we must share, teach, and encourage one another with.

“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18 (KJV)

Are you lifting others up with the truth that Jesus is coming soon? Are you inspiring your family, church, and community to live prepared? Are you spreading urgency and hope?

10. What If He Came Today?

Pause for a moment. Ask yourself seriously: If Christ returned this moment, where would you stand? Would you be caught up in joy or paralyzed by regret? What would He find you doing?

“Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” — Revelation 22:12 (KJV)

This is not fear-mongering. This is the call of eternity. Jesus is not a myth or a memory — He is the coming King. And He will not delay forever. Are you ready?

11. How to Live Each Day in the Light of His Return

• Wake up daily with gratitude and spiritual alertness.
• Confess sin quickly. Live pure and walk in repentance.
• Spend time in the Word and prayer daily — stay fueled with oil.
• Keep short accounts with people. Forgive and reconcile.
• Serve with joy. Share the gospel boldly.
• Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey God promptly.
• Don’t be entangled with worldly pleasures and sin.
• Stay connected to the Body of Christ — community matters.

Conclusion: The Final Wake-Up Call

We’re not promised next year. We’re not promised next week. Every sunrise is mercy. Every heartbeat is a reminder: Christ is coming again. Not as a baby in a manger, but as King of kings, Judge of the earth, Bridegroom of the Church.

“Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” — Revelation 22:20 (KJV)

Beloved, it’s time to live ready. Not in fear, but in purpose. Not in panic, but in purity. Not hiding, but shining. The trumpet will sound. The sky will split. Eternity will begin.

Are you ready?

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Prayer for Nigeria: A Cry for Peace and Restoration

 

Nigeria in God’s Hands: A Cry for Peace and Restoration

Nigeria — a land blessed with abundant resources, rich cultures, resilient people, and divine destiny — is at a spiritual crossroads. Many citizens wake each day with a mix of hope and worry. The headlines bear stories of economic hardship, political instability, insecurity, moral decline, and youth frustration. Yet, amidst it all, there’s an eternal truth we must hold onto:

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” – Psalm 24:1

Nigeria is not forgotten by God. We are not abandoned. As believers, we have a mandate to intercede, not complain; to kneel before God, not curse our land. This blog post is a call to every Christian, Nigerian, and intercessor around the world — let us cry for Nigeria’s peace and restoration. Let us put Nigeria in God’s hands.

🌍 Why Pray for Nigeria?

The heart of a nation reflects the soul of its people. When a people drift from God, injustice, immorality, and disunity take root. Nigeria has become a paradox — full of promise, yet plagued with pain. But we are not helpless. We have a God who heals nations. Consider the powerful call in:

“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

This verse isn’t a political slogan — it’s a divine formula. Nigeria doesn’t need more blame; it needs more brokenness before God. We must pray because:

• Leadership needs wisdom and godly fear.
• Youth need hope and direction.
• Families need unity and protection.
• The Church must rise in spiritual strength.
• Peace must return to our streets and borders.

📖 Learning from Daniel’s Prayer (Daniel 9)

The prophet Daniel was in exile, just as many Nigerians feel “exiled” from the promise of a better life. He understood the power of intercession. In Daniel 9, we find a blueprint for praying for national restoration. He began with confession, moved into humility, and pleaded for mercy on behalf of his people.

“I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” – Daniel 9:3

He didn’t pray with arrogance. He identified with the sins of the nation. He didn't separate himself from the people’s rebellion — even though he personally lived righteously. This is the spirit we must carry: intercession rooted in humility and hope.

🛐 A Heartfelt Cry for Nigeria

Let us cry not just with tears, but with trust. Below is a comprehensive prayer modeled after Daniel 9, followed by the actual text from verses 16–27. May your heart align with God’s will as you pray along.

🙏 PRAYER: Nigeria in God’s Hands

O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who brought Israel out of Egypt and preserved Nigeria through colonialism, civil war, and corruption — we come before You with a burdened heart. Father, look upon our land. Nigeria is bleeding, and only You can heal.

We confess the sins of our fathers — tribalism, greed, injustice, and idolatry. We repent of the bloodshed, the lies, and the rebellion against Your ways. We admit our complacency, our disunity, and our arrogance. Lord, we are guilty.

But we also know that You are a God of mercy. Your compassion never fails. You restored Nineveh. You forgave Israel. You healed cities. We ask — restore Nigeria.

Raise righteous leaders in every region. Disgrace the proud and lift the humble. Let integrity triumph over fraud. Let justice roll like rivers again. Let our children be proud to be called Nigerians again.

Deliver us from the spirit of fear, violence, and hopelessness. Break the backbone of corruption. Heal our economy. Rebuild our schools. Protect our borders. Revive our churches. Renew our hearts.

O Lord, do not delay. Nigeria is in Your hands. Stretch forth Your hand and save us — not because we deserve it, but because You are good.

📜 Daniel 9:16–27 – A Model Prayer for Nigeria

Daniel 9:16-27 (KJV)

16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem (Nigeria, we pray); thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.

17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake.

18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.

19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God;

21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks...

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease...

✨ What You Can Do After Praying

Prayer is the starting point, but not the only point. God partners with people to bring change. Here’s what you can begin to do after this prayer:

• Be the change you seek. Start with honesty in your business, words, and walk with God.
• Teach the next generation. Train children to know God, to fear Him, and to love this country.
• Engage with wisdom. Support leaders and initiatives that reflect godly values.
• Speak hope, not hate. Declare what God says over Nigeria, not just what media says.
• Keep praying without ceasing. Don't just say a one-time prayer. Intercede often.

🕊️ Final Word: Nigeria Shall Rise Again

As you read this, remember: Nigeria is not beyond redemption. We are a nation with destiny. God’s hand is not too short to save. Revival can sweep our land again. From Abuja to Lagos, from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt, light can break forth. Let us never underestimate the power of a praying people.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” – Psalm 33:12

Will you stand in the gap for Nigeria today? Share this prayer. Encourage others to join in. Speak peace over your nation daily. Let Nigeria remain in God’s hands — because that’s the safest place she can ever be.

Written with love and burden by Richems.com – Faith. Family. Peaceful Living.

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