By GARY ANDREWS
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When I was a young boy I had the opportunity of being in the Boy Scouts. It is a tremendous organization. I learned about God and Country and the respect and love I am to give to each one. The slogan “Be Prepared” will forever be etched into my mind and how precious this slogan has been to me over the years.
As I became an adult and went through my military training, the “Be Prepared” slogan meant more to me than I ever thought it would, especially going into a combat or hostile environment half-way around the world. Leaving the military and going into the business world, getting married and raising a family has always given me the opportunity of remembering and using this slogan.
I am an advocate of the scouting programs, boys and girls, and the training and lessons these young people receive from them. Neither program seems to be as popular as they once were because the teachings of these organizations challenge what many facets of this sinful world want. Many immoral and unethical values are being pushed on these programs because Satan is having his way with so many people in the world who look to him instead of God.
Not only are the scouting programs being targeted by these ungodly people, so are our public arenas, government, schools, churches and religious organizations. We as Christians need to always “Be Prepared” because Satan is hurling insults and innuendos at us at every possible opportunity. Jesus tells us in Luke 21:8; “Watch out that you are not deceived…”; then in Luke 21:12; “…they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.”
This passage in Luke is when Jesus is speaking with some of His disciples about the signs of the end of time. People, all we have to do is read God’s Word and our future is foretold. We all need to look ar   ound us and see what is happening in the world. We need to understand that our God given rights and freedoms are being taken away and we, as Christians, are standing around and letting this happen.
I feel that it is very important that we continue boys and girls scouts and allow them to be taught about God and Country. We, as a Christian nation, need to adopt the scout motto of “Be Prepared” because at any given time this world can cease being and our time will be gone for us to accept Jesus as our Savior and live with Him throughout eternity. Are you prepared for what will happen to your soul should Jesus come today?
Prayer: Father thank you for your love. Thank you for saving grace that allows sinners such as I to leave this sinful world and live with you for eternity. Amen.
(Suggested daily Bible readings: Sunday – Luke 21:1-19; Monday – Hosea 10:12; Tuesday – 1 Peter 1:13-21; Wednesday – Joshua 3:5; Thursday – Ephesians 6:10-18; Friday – Ecclesiastes – 11:1-6; Saturday – Mark 1:2-8.)
Gary Andrews is the author of Encouraging Words: 30-days in God’s Word. To obtain a copy go to his website www.gadevotionals.com.