When you are on a country road, many times there will be curves making it impossible to see on-coming traffic. Hills may be a part of that road. Our lives are like those kinds of roads, curves come at us (and sometimes we are blindsided by life). Hills of emotions give life endless ups and downs.

God knows all about those crooked paths and the hills and valleys of our lives. He sent His messenger to prepare the way for Jesus the Messiah in the New Testament times and for today.

(NIV) Matthew 3:1-3 “IN THOSE days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, “˜Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”™ 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“˜A voice of one calling in the desert,

“˜Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”™”

For all followers of Christ, we have a hope and a future”¦no matter our circumstances today. If our hope is in the economy, or in specific leaders, or in our own abilities, or in our paycheck”¦we better reconsider where we have placed our hope.

My hope is in the One Who is unchanging; the One Who is the same yesterday, today and forever. (See Hebrews 13:8)

John was the forerunner who was sent by God to prepare the hearts of people for Messiah. Did they need to repent”¦yes; do I need to repent”¦yes!

My thinking can be crooked and needs to be straightened out according to God”™s word. My emotions can be like a roller coaster ride, ups and downs coming faster than I can handle on my own.

This is why you and I need God”™s word.

This is why you and I need God”™s Son.

This is why we need prepared hearts”¦to receive Jesus.

How shall you now pray?