Jesus told a parable about ten virgins waiting for the return of the bridegroom. Five of them were smart enough to keep their lamps filled with oil, so they would be ready to go at a moment’s notice. The other five weren’t so well prepared. When the wait grew long, the 5 silly ladies let themselves go. The oil ran low, but they just knew they’d have time to get them filled before it was too late.
The bridegroom returned, without calling first to warn them! The 5 well prepared young ladies were ready to go, but the others had to run to the supermarket to buy oil and fill their lamps. By the time they returned, the jet was leaving the runway. They stood there in shock for a moment and then they…
All right, maybe that’s not exactly how it went, but you get the idea. I was worried about this. How can I be certain I will be ready when the bridegroom returns? Just how do you keep your lamp filled with oil? Do we break our necks doing service? Spend hours in prayer?
Service is good and prayer is good. These things help us keep busy and focused in the interim, but they are not really the answer. Of course this is just my opinion, but I know how I feel after a time of worship and praise. Uplifted, joyous, filled. Throw in some quality time just talking with the Father and studying the Book He left for us and I think we’re pretty much done.
Matthew 25: 1-13 The Parable of the Foolish Virgins
Betty Thomason Owens 
I think one of the most important ways we keep ourselves ready is simply a daily renewal of our relationship with Him. A daily surrendering of our lives and dying to ourselves. So long as we're right with Him (whatever that takes), we're ready!
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