Preparation is the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty. We all make preparations, some more important than others. We prepare for a work day, a trip, a dinner, a wedding, Church, the list is unending for the things we prepare for. Warnings are given, storms are coming, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, preparations are made, and they may include evacuations, boarding up windows and doors, sand bags. Whatever it entails, preparations are made. The Bible tells of several preparations that different individuals made. The first that comes to mind, is Noah, preparing for the flood that covered the entire earth. He built an ark, no rain in sight, and yet mankind, and the animal world was in eminent danger of complete destruction. It was the preparations of Noah that saved mankind and all breathing animals to save them from certain death. Those who were not in the prepared ark died. Only Noah, his wife and his children and their wives were saved from drowning. The rest of mankind died, because they failed to take advantage of the preparation. Moses, when the last plague was coming upon Egypt, in an effort to rescue the Children of Israel from the bondage of slavery. All the first born of both man and animals was in eminent danger of dying. The preparation was to cover the door leading into the home with the blood of a sacrificial lamb. The top and both sides of the door was to be covered with the blood of a lamb, and the occupants were to stay in their homes until the death angel had passed by. Those who failed to prepare lost their first born to death. John the Baptist prepares the way for the coming of Jesus and His ministry and eventually the opportunity for all mankind to experience the saving grace of God. Mark 1:7, and this was his message: "After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. And then the most powerful and important preparation that the world has ever known. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Son of God. Jesus has made preparations for the salvation of mankind, 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The preparations have been made, and like the account of Moses and the ark, and Moses and the blood of the lamb over the door posts of the houses, we must take advantage of the preparation. Failing to take advantage of the preparation made by Christ on the Cross of Calvary and His resurrection from death, puts one in eminent danger of death. Preparations are vital, getting ready for the occasion, the coming of Jesus, the rapture. Repentance, salvation, a relationship with the Lord, these are the preparations that will ensure we are ready. My prayer is that we all will take advantage of the preparation.