All big events require preparation. Celebrations, holidays, sometimes even simple meals, require a good amount of preparation. Setting a date, sending out invitations, planning a menu, decorating â€" all this and more help get you in the mood for the upcoming festivities. For Christians, the preparation for Easter should be met with an equal amount of anticipation, if not more!

Throughout the Bible, the prophets prepared us; telling of the Messiah who would be born of a virgin (Is. 7:14) and that He would bring Salvation and the forgiveness of our sins (Jer. 31:31-34). Then, Jesus, Himself, spent time preparing His disciples and followers, teaching them of the suffering He would endure on the cross and of the triumphal victory at His resurrection. When the disciples showed a lack of understanding, Jesus encouraged them to pray to the Father. He shared a meal with them and helped prepare their hearts for the coming hours when they would be witnesses to Jesus’ pain and heartache. Jesus also took the time to prepare them for the future, assuring them of His return.

Take the next few weeks to prepare your heart for the celebration of the death and resurrection of our Savior. But know that preparation on our own terms is in vain. Instead, begin by humbly coming to Jesus, confess and then ask Him to forgive your sins, and then proclaim that He was and is the Lord who died and rose again! As a time of refreshment with the Lord, take time to be still and listen to what He wants to say to you at this time and then follow Him obediently. Come to Him knowing that He is prepared to meet you where you are, and then let this time of preparation lead to the most glorious celebration your heart has ever known!

Dear Lord, thank you for taking my sins on the cross. I come to you today and humbly ask that you prepare my heart to receive you and all that you have for me. Renew my Spirit; take me and mold me after your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    1 Peter 1:13 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.