In today's message, Pastor Rusty looks at John the Baptist and how we can prepare others for eternity. John the Baptist had one mission: preparing others for Jesus. What if we took that same calling seriously today? Are you living as a witness to the light, or hiding your faith under a basket? The kingdom of heaven is near, and people around you need to be prepared. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus this week?

Victory is sweet, but it's not the end of the story. Just as Nehemiah continued working after rebuilding Jerusalem's wall in 52 days, we must continue our spiritual preparation even after experiencing God's victories. The physical wall was complete, but their spiritual wall still lay in ruins. This required the people to hunger for God's Word, engage in fasting and prayer, commit to biblical community, and give their time, talent, and treasure. As long as we have breath, God has work for us to do, and we can't rest on our successes or we'll miss out on God's best.

Personal preparation is the foundation for collective transformation in our faith journey. Nehemiah's response to Jerusalem's broken walls demonstrates the power of individual heart preparation before attempting to fix collective problems. Rather than blaming others or seeking quick solutions, Nehemiah spent days mourning, fasting, and praying. He recognized God as a covenant keeper, embraced personal repentance, and acknowledged specific failures. Through prayer and preparation, God positioned him strategically as cupbearer to influence King Artaxerxes. God has similarly placed each of us in specific positions for His purposes, requiring us to prepare our hearts through confession, prayer, and remembering His promises.

Life is a continuous season of preparation, and this principle extends deeply into our spiritual journey. Scripture shows us that when we faithfully prepare our hearts and resources, we position ourselves for God to move in extraordinary ways. Like Joshua preparing the Israelites for the Promised Land, we need spiritual provisions including prepared leaders to follow and personal consecration. Preparation involves setting ourselves apart for God's purposes, sharing our testimony with the next generation, and committing to consistent prayer. However, preparation must eventually lead to action - we must step into the water and trust God for the miracle, knowing that while we prepare faithfully, the victory belongs to the Lord.

You are only one decision away from a totally different life. But here's the problem: 92% of New Year's resolutions fail because we're trying to change with willpower instead of God's power. What if real transformation isn't about trying harder, but about surrendering deeper? What spiritual burden are you carrying that God wants you to release this year?

What if the peace you're searching for this Christmas isn't found in perfect circumstances, but in divine interruptions? The same God who shattered the shepherds' silent night with good news of great joy wants to interrupt your chaos with His presence. Are you creating space for Him to speak?

What if your greatest problem isn't the storm around you, but the unbelief within you? When life hits you with unexpected challenges, remember this truth: Jesus is still in the boat. The same voice that calmed wind and waves with three words is speaking peace over your situation right now. Are you listening for His voice above the noise of your circumstances?

Searching for peace in all the wrong places? True peace isn't found in perfect circumstances but in the Prince of Peace himself. What if the peace you've been desperately seeking is closer than you think? Jesus offers something the world can't give - confidence in God's presence even in the midst of chaos. Are you ready to stop worrying and start experiencing the peace that surpasses understanding?

The Prince of Peace didn't come just to end wars—He came to restore the wholeness your soul is desperately searching for. What if the peace you've been longing for isn't found in perfect circumstances, but in surrendering your burdens to the One who conquered death itself? This Christmas, discover how Jesus breaks down every barrier keeping you from true shalom.

Are you trying to accomplish God's work in your own strength? There's supernatural power available that can transform how you share your faith and handle life's challenges. The difference between operating in human effort versus God's power is like using a manual screwdriver versus a power drill - both work, but one is far more effective. What would change in your life if you stopped just talking about God's power and started living in it? Discover how you can grow in Power as Pastor Rusty concludes our series, Made for More!