Tag Archives: encouragement

Spiritual Endurance

Wilderness Living 2025

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Experiencing Wilderness Living

Are we experiencing wilderness living?   I’m not talking about a survival challenge where one willingly goes into the wilderness to test their mental and physical endurance.  This wilderness experience is usually thought of as tough times in which we endure major trials and tribulation.  During such times, we are unable to enjoy life because of the unceasing stress and strain over conditions in which we have no control.  Such is the case with “Wilderness Living 2025”.

Our current world is presenting us with challenges we have never faced before.  These events, without a doubt, test our mental, physical, and spiritual endurance. It feels like a bad dream repeated on a continuous loop.

Struggles for power, influence, and control have resulted in strife and evil of every type—locally, nationally, and internationally.  James must have had these times in mind when he wrote: “Where envy and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16).  Such is the case with “Wilderness Living 2025”.

God revealed during wilderness living 

For the nations of Israel, living in captivity in Babylon and Assyria was their experience with “wilderness living.”  For seventy (70) years they were removed from those things which they loved the most—their land, their temple, and most importantly, their God.  But God, through His prophet Isaiah, sent words of consolation to Israel during their wilderness experience.  He promised to do a new thing (Isaiah 43:16-19).

New in Hebrew means to renew, rebuild, or repair.  During these times of uncertainty and chaos all three actions are needed.   Our minds need to be renewed versus being conformed to the insanity of the world (Romans 12:1-2).  We need to rebuild and repair our relationships (Romans 12:17-18).  We are divided by so many things—our political views, our racial makeup, our economic position.  Satan has used these factors to polarize us and negate Jesus’ mandate to love one another (Matthew 5:43-44).

God promised Israel that He would not only renew, rebuild, and repair that which was loss during the exile, but He would also, do the impossible— “make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”  God would revive Israel physically and spiritually.

Through our wilderness experience, God is CONTINUALLY renewing, rebuilding, and repairing our lives (Psalm 130:5).

Facing wilderness living  

Wilderness experiences are times in our lives when we feel powerless and lack those things that bring us happiness, contentment, and peace.  Wilderness living is different for everyone.

For some people wilderness living may be survival—inability to provide for physical and emotional needs. It may be relational—failed, estranged, or disappointing relationships.  For still others, wilderness living may be experiential—moments of personal loss, loneliness, or misfortune.  No two wildernesses are the same.

Our spiritual man may also feel strained.  Our faith is challenged as we try to make sense of what God is doing not only in the world but in our lives.  We feel alone and isolated.  We may even think God has left us and no longer hears our prayers.  Is God with us in our wilderness?  He answers, “Yes!”  It’s in His Word (Psalms 91:15; Isaiah 43:2; Isaiah 49:15).

Living in the wilderness

John Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author of “Resilient: Restoring your weary soul in these Turbulent Times” shares his thoughts about living in wilderness:

One of the first warnings Jesus gave us about living through [these] times was simply don’t “freak out”.  Unflappable Jesus, the most level-headed guy ever, simply refuse to get baited into any of the drama of his own day. And he urges us to be unflappable too. Jesus knew that everything was going to be shouting for our attention, trying to get us all spun up. It wears a soul down.  And there is a way out.  

 Regardless of our wilderness experience, we can ALWAYS trust God.  We can relinquish control to God’s sovereign will and His steadfast love (Psalm 18:1-3).   He cares about everything that keeps us awake at night—our family, our provision, and our future.  God will sustain us.  While we have no forecast as to where these times may lead us, we DO have the blessed assurance that God is with us and for us (Psalm 119:116).  As we strengthen our intimacy with Him, we will find true contentment, and peace, even during “Wilderness Living 2025” (Revelations 21:7).

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: When Life KEEPS Happening

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Throwback Wednesday : Life Keeps on Life-ing“Life keeps on life-ing!”

Does it seem as though life is getting harder to navigate?  Well, guess what?  It is!

I understand that “life lived under the sway of sin and Satan”, will continue its path of destruction.  “Life keeps on life-ing”; leading to disappointment,  pain, and suffering (Galatians 6:7-8).

I know that  as long as we live in this fallen world,  we will face trials and tribulations (John 16:33).  However, as believers, our peace, our confidence, and our  expectations can only come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth AND who is aware of everything that we are currently facing (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13).

With these thoughts in mind, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, “When Life Happens.”  While it was originally written  for a personal application of life happenings, it is most appropriate as we formulate our responses to the events happening  both locally and nationally.

Knowing God

What is God revealing?

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Revealing Hidden Things

As stated last week, secret things belong to God.  Revealed things, however, belong to us and to our children so that we may follow God’s law.  They are truths which God has communicated through the Bible and His Holy Spirit. These also include those things revealed through the whole counsel of God.

This truth, found in Deuteronomy 29:29, falls in the fourth address to the children of Israel by Moses.  It is a summary of the covenant demands and an appeal for covenant obedience (Deut. 29:2-29).

For the Israelites, the secret things of the LORD probably referred to future details that God had not revealed to Moses.  Yet what He had revealed (e.g., future judgment for disobedience, future blessing for obedience, His requirement for holiness, etc.) was enough to encourage the Israelites to follow all the words of the Law.[1]  

Is God’s revealed truth enough to encourage 21st century believers to trust and obey Him?  To answer this question, let’s consider four (4) tenets of faith currently revealed by God in His Word and through His Spirit.

These are not meant to be exhaustive, but have proven to anchor one’s faith during tumultuous times (Heb. 6:19).  As we look at our current world situation, it is easy to become weary.  Hopefully, these revealed truths will encourage us not to “lose heart” (2 Cor. 4:16-17).

What has God revealed?

Our Knowledge of Him (2 Pet. 1:3-5).  Jesus came not only to acquire our salvation but to also manifest (reveal) the Father’s name (nature) to His children (John 17:6; 26).  Armed with that knowledge, we believers have access to divine power and precious promises.  God has also provided us with spiritual wisdom and insight through His Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:9-10).

Our Identity (Eph. 1:3-4). Identity is defined as the set of characteristics by which a thing is definitively recognized or known.   God chose us to be adopted as sons, heirs and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17).  Our identity also connects us with other believers in God’s universal Church.  Because of our identity we have access to everything we need to accomplish God’s purpose for our life and His kingdom. (Eph. 2:10)

 Our Salvation (2 Cor. 5:17).  We are new creatures in Christ.  Because of Christ’s substitutional death on the Cross, we have been set free from the penalty and power of sin in our life.  This freedom will be fully experienced once in heaven where we will be delivered from the presence of sin (Rev. 21:4).

Our Hope (Rom. 4:18-21).  Hope is simply defined as the expectation of future good.   “Biblical hope is the anticipation of a favorable outcome under God’s guidance. More specifically, hope is the confidence that what God has done for us in the past guarantees our participation in what God will do in the future. This contrasts to the world’s definition of hope as a feeling that what is wanted will happen.”[2]

What keeps us from trusting what God has revealed?

One reason we may not trust what God is revealing is because we fail to recognize it.   In the 2020 Barna study, “Signs of Decline & Hope Among Key Metrics of Faith”, it is noted that there are fewer “faith engagements” occurring among both believers and non-believers.  These include Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance.  These activities are critical to gaining an understanding of what God has revealed in the past and what God is revealing in the present.

The U.S. population is undergoing major religious, social, demographic and digital change. The rise of digital life, including social media, the economic crisis, changing attitudes about social issues and the emergence of younger generations on the scene are some of the factors that are likely to form undercurrents recalibrating Americans’ connection to faith and to Christianity.

Another reason we may not trust what God is revealing is because we choose not to believe.  One’s disbelief may be tied to the feeling that religion and the Bible are no longer relevant to 21st century living.  Such beliefs are not new.  The Apostle Paul warned the young minister Timothy that the time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3-5).   People are choosing other forms of spirituality that “better accommodate” their chosen life style and worldview.

Finally, we may not trust what God is revealing because we choose not to obey God.  Have you ever noticed that when a person is auguring over a specific teaching from the Bible, it is often connected to a personal obedience challenge they are facing in their life?  Obedience is more than just following the letter of the law.  It is discerning what God would want and then seeking that outcome.

So where do we go from here?

As we discover things revealed (and the list is infinite), we gain access to the very mind of God (Rom. 11:33-36).  Things revealed may be answers to those persistent questions concerning God’s purpose for our life.  Our receptivity to things revealed may be our entry to God’s power, presence, and provision.

Our life and the current challenges of 21st century living may seem impossible, but with God’s grace and favor, nothing is impossible.    We need only trust in Him and in the things He has revealed.

[1]  The Bible Knowledge Commentary , Old Testament

[2]  Holman Bible Dictionary

Spiritual Maturity

Jesus: The One for the 21st Century

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Jesus: The One for the 21st Century

Is Jesus the One for the 21st century?

Yes, He is! I say that not based on my feelings or opinion but on what God has said about Who He is and how He operates in this fallen world.  I continue to use the phrase, “fallen world” to direct our attention to the condition that has led us to the pain and suffering we are experiencing in the world.  And that condition is sin.

It is easy to wonder why God isn’t more active in resolving the difficulties we face in our world.  Know this!  God cares and engages in every aspect of our lives (Matt. 10:29-31).  However, man’s “free will” allows him to choose those things that, many times, are outside God’s will and not in the best interest of others (which includes the world).

We often look to God to “zap the bad” and make it disappear.  Unfortunately, that isn’t how it works in a fallen world.  That’s why it is valuable to draw near to God (James 4:8) so that we can better understand His ways and His works.   When we do that, we can begin to understand why Jesus is the One for today.

What are our options?

So what have been our “options” to address the challenges of 21st century living?  We’ve tried to legislate, to mandate, and to regulate, just to name a few.  New beliefs, creeds, and convictions, offer no long-term solution to the various world crises we face.  No person, political platform, nor social movement has moved us closer to “the good life”, harmony or peace.  These are not the right solutions for our sin problem.

Why not choose Jesus?  Choose Him not for solving all the problems we experience during difficult time.  Nor for miracles Jesus can perform to address our human needs.  But choose Jesus because He is the One.  He is the One God has ordained to address the issue of sin and to give us life—life now and life in eternity.

Jesus knew.

Jesus knew He was the One.  As He arrived in Nazareth, He entered the synagogue on the sabbath day and stood up to read (Luke 4:16-21).  He read from the Old Testament book of Isaiah that prophesied of the abundant life that would be available to those who would believe and follow the promised Messiah (Isa. 61:1-2).

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to  preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and  recovery of sight to the blind,  To set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Jesus concluded His reading with a statement meant to remove any doubt as to who He was (Luke 4:21). “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  Jesus was the promised Messiah. Jesus was the One.

Recognizing The One

Are we poor in spirit?  Disappointed, distraught, and discouraged? Are we brokenhearted, blinded, and held captive by the world’s promise of a better life?

In our humanity, we are continually looking for someone or something to manage the challenges we face.  In God’s economy, believers understand that Jesus is The One.

  • Who better to guide us and to help us through the challenges that lie ahead than The One who is omniscient! The all-knowing One who can see today, tomorrow and into eternity.
  • Who better to protect us than the one who is omnipotent? All powerful. Not like the impotent idols we think will secure our life: wealth, status, or relationships.  All these and more, we foolishly depend on to make us feel safe and secure.
  • Who better to provide for both our spiritual and physical needs than the One who is omnipresent—”everywhere present”. Where can we go that Jesus is not with us? (Ps. 139:7-10)

Jesus is the great I Am.  Bread of life (John 6:35).  Light (John 8:12).  The Door (John 10:9).  The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14).  Resurrection and Life (John 11:25).  The Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6). The Vine (John 15:1, 5).

Jesus is the One!  He is the One we need right now for the challenges we are facing.  Jesus is the Only One.

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: How Are You Holding Up?

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How are you holding up?

How are you holding up?

In recounting the major events of this century, I better understand the severe damage they have had on us, and on our view of life.  Pandemics, wars, terrorism (domestic and foreign), social strife, natural disasters and so much more.  Our personal lives have also been affected as we navigate changes in responsibilities, relationships, and work life.

It has been exhausting!   These shifts, and dips of life, have required more than “pushing through”.  It has necessitated more than “hanging on”.  It requires that we cling even more closely to God.  God’s presence and power is the only true source of resiliency.

In John 16:33, Jesus shares this truth with His Disciples.  We can place our trust in this truth as we move into 2025 and beyond.

 In this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer.  I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD. 

 The Amplified Version of Jesus’ words encourage us even more.

In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Because of “these times” in which we live, it is imperative that we holdfast our faith.  Our trust and belief in Sovereign God is essential not only for our physical and mental well-being, but also for our spiritual perseverance and endurance (Psalm 18:1-2).

To help us on our faith journey, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, a message that is important to remember when facing 21st century challenges and tribulation:  “Don’t Let Go Your Faith!”

 

Spiritual Maturity

Is There a Peacemaker in the House?

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Is there a Peacemaker in the House?

“Blessed are the peacemakers…”

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9, NRS).  Is peacemaking even possible in the 21st century?  The world is becoming more polarized every day and over every issue that surfaces in our life.  We are divided on everything from politics to the color of the school library.  Why is this so?

Is this the new model we are to use as we strive to live in a world marked by extraordinary diversity and constant change?

Is it a new anomaly caused by a world traumatized by the crises and the catastrophes of this new century: pandemics, wars, natural disasters, and human tragedies.

Has something occurred in our spirit that now causes us to be more accepting of evil, combative, and defensive?

Is our commitment to peacemaking dead? Is there room in our world for peacemakers?

Do we need peacemaking?

What is the opposite of peacemaking?  The antonyms for peacemaking include the following:    inflammatory, offensive, provocative, aggravating, provoking, engaging, frustrating, abrasive.  Do many of these words describe the interactions we’re having these days?  We might sum them up with one word: STRIFE.  Strife can exist between strangers, friends, church members, or yes, even family.

The Apostle James shares the results of strife left unchecked (James 3:16, KJV).  “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” The Revised Standard Version paints an even clearer picture of the results of strife. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”  Look around, what do we see?

Wherever there is disorder and evil work, we can be assured that Satan is in the mix.  He is the proverbial puppeteer behind the actions of those he uses for his destructive actions.  However, strife can be minimized and ultimately resolved by a peacemaker.

What does a peacemaker look like?

Peacemakers are intentional in creating opportunities that mirror God’s heart of peace in the world. They look for opportunities to both prevent potential conflicts and encourage peaceful relationships, even if it means personal sacrifice and self-deference (1 Cor. 9:22).

Those who are peacemakers are first and foremost people who understand and embrace God’s provision of peace.  They understand that peace is not the result of external factors or human effort but is the internal “heart work” of the Holy Spirit, who is daily conforming believers to the image of Christ, the Ultimate Peacemaker (Rom. 8:29).

Peacemakers strive to promote the kingdom of God.  As Christ demonstrated God’s peace in His ministry, we become peacemakers in this present age (Phil. 4:7). Peacemaking finds genesis in the heart of God.

Children of God are Peacemakers.

The peace that Jesus speaks to in this Beatitude is not a “natural” habit or disposition of man. This peace is imparted to us during the process of salvation (2 Cor. 5:17).  Practicing peacemaking is not easy in the natural or our flesh.  Yet it is more than possible in the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

What adjective do people use to describe us?  Are we portrayed as bridge builders or wrecking balls?   Do we mirror God’s heart through our love and personal sacrifice?  Are we ready to be God’s peacemakers?

Our Faith Walk

What in the World?

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What in the world?

What in the world?

What in the world?  As I look around our nation and our world, this  is my “standard response”  to what I see.  Everyday there is new chaos, new debauchery, and/or new calamity to add to my already traumatized brain.

Many of you have asked me where is God in all this confusion?  And why doesn’t God intervene?  Such was the case with the prophet Habakkuk as he looked upon the nation of Judah.

The consequence of sin

The prophetic book of Habakkuk shares the dialogue between a “gracious God” and an “anxious prophet”.  As is true with both the major and minor prophets, we are given great insight as to how a holy God deals with an unholy and rebellious nation.

Although the nation of Judah was God’s “covenant people” (Deut. 7:7), God was now prepared to meter punishment on them like they had never experienced. The prophet Habakkuk has been chosen for “such a time as this”—a time when time has runout!

Judah was guilty of extraordinary sins.  Habakkuk inquired of God how long He would allow the wickedness of Judah to go unpunished.  They would not go unpunished.  God would use the nation of Babylon as His “chastening rod”.

We often think that our wrong behavior is not being seen by others.  While that may be true for a moment, the fact is, God sees!  What is done in the dark, will always come to light (Luke 8:17).  Many of our ousted elected officials and fallen religious leaders can attest to that truth.  However, there are always consequences for sin and it’s usually not good.

The cost of sin

God lists for Habakkuk the sins of Judah in five (5) “woes”.  God “had” indeed taken notice of Judah’s crimes (Hab. 2:5-20).  They included:

      • greed and aggression (vv. 5-8)
      • exploitation and extortion (vv. 9-11)
      • violence (vv. 12-14)
      • immorality (vv. 15-17)
      • idolatry (vv. 18-20)

We live in a world like Judah.  Look at the woes!  We sin both individually and collectively, as a nation.  God’s standard for righteous living has not changed (Micah 6:8; Mal. 3:6). Does God see what we’re doing?  Of course, He does (Ps. 33:13-14; Ps. 139:8-12).  The question is, are we willing to deal with the consequences of our sins?  Are we willing to accept the cost?

The cost is being realized as we see the immediate impact sin has on our children, our families, and our communities.

    • The hungry. Hunger is a very real issue for 12% or 41 million people in the United States.
    • The homeless. Why are people homeless? Because of “lack”!  Lack of affordable housing, income, employment opportunities, and healthcare.
    • The abused. Domestic violence.  Sexual abuse.  Human trafficking.

But what do these impacts have to do with sin?  Re-read the “five woes” and see how they fit in our 21st century culture.  If we are not guilty by “commission”, perhaps we are culpable by “omission”—by what we don’t do to make life better for others (Prov. 3:27).

The just shall live by faith

Although God’s judgment was hard for Habakkuk to accept, he recognized the only “proper response” in the midst of this dilemma.  He was “to live by faith, not by sight” (Hab. 2:4).

As we look at the world we live in, it is easy to be disillusioned and in despair.  Just like Habakkuk, we may question how long God will tolerate sinful and evil behavior from both individuals and nations.

Regardless of who sits in the White House or State House, we as believers in Christ are to do our part to speak truth and justice.  We are to engage in our world to represent Jesus as He ensures God’s will is accomplished (2 Cor. 5:15).  We are to live by faith.

Like Habakkuk, we have an ordained purpose to accomplish (Eph. 2:10).  We are to pursue our purpose trusting that God sees and is always in control.  He is constantly, through every historic event moving us to His divine plan of salvation for mankind.

Knowing that, our purpose should not focus on our personal agendas.  But instead let us join God in His plan.  Like Habakkuk and Esther and all those who have gone before us, we were created for such a time as this.  Let us not be in despair but let us “go forth” in the strength of the Lord (Ps. 71:16).

[1] Wikipedia

Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Aware

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Preparing Watchfulness: Be Aware

Watchfulness recap

Last week we acknowledged the fact that we, as humans, are always watching.  But are we watchful?  We defined watchfulness as preparedness in order to avoid being taken unaware by an enemy. It involves fighting carelessness to reach a desired goal.

The question that hopefully will be answered in this series is, “Are we watchful of the right things?”  We introduced this topic of watchfulness with Jesus’ parable of the foolish and wise virgins (Matt. 25:1-13). The parable cautions us to be “alert and vigilant” less we miss God’s opportunities. We must be aware!

Aware and prepared

Awareness involves concern and informed interest in a particular situation or development.  This added knowledge increases our ability to persevere and remain encouraged (1 Cor. 16:13).  We are able to see beyond what is in front of us even in the midst of our trials and tribulations.  We live life both aware and prepared.

In Jesus’ parable, unfortunately, five of the ten virgins were both unaware and unprepared.  The result was their inability to enter the wedding feast.  Today we’ll dig in a little deeper into this parable and how it applies to us today.

Who were the Ten Virgins?

Jesus gave ample warning in His teaching concerning the last days and the need for spiritual preparation.  He realized that His church would need spiritual focus while waiting for His return.

Jesus makes the purpose of this parable clear in its last verse. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (verse 13). He warns that failure to be aware and prepared for His return would have “eternal and irreversible consequences”.

Ten virgins:  The same yet different

While the two groups of virgins have some interesting similarities outwardly, their concealed attitudes revealed how they really felt about their role in the wedding.  These attitudes eventually affected their ability to be aware and prepared.

Both groups were in the same place.  They were going to meet the bridegroom (verse 1).  How does that compare to 21st century believers?

The spiritually unprepared Christian may sit right beside the spiritually prepared Christian in Sunday service.  They both seem interested in the same things and seem to have the same character. Both may diligently give tithes and offerings and serve their brethren. It may only be in a crisis that the real differences show up, and then attendance may begin to wane, and their monetary support of the church may slow or even stop.

Both groups were carrying lamps (verse 1), so these vessels are not a sign of who had prepared.

Similarly, a person carrying a Bible to church does not show that that person has prepared by study and prayer during the previous week to overcome sin and produce spiritual fruit. Neither does it show that the Holy Spirit exists within a person.

Both groups slumbered and slept (verse 5).  The word “slumbered” means to nod, a transient act, whereas “slept” should be sleeping, a continuous act.  We see in the wording of the virgins act the progression of lethargy. First, the virgins nodded their heads as if napping, and later, they slept continuously and deeply.

Even the most dedicated and sincere saints may temporarily become spiritually lethargic. Initial weariness is the first step to further spiritual decay. It is vital to catch temporary apathy early to prevent permanent disillusionment.

“Watch therefore…”

Are we aware and prepared?  What is our attitude and commitment as we wait?  Here are a few questions to help us as we prepare to become more watchful.   Remember the end of Jesus’ parable as you answer these questions.  “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

  1. Do we really believe Christ will return?
  2. How are we currently addressing sin in our life?
  3. Does our lifestyle reflect a personal relationship with Christ or a religious routine?
  4. What’s our attitude concerning the things of God?
  5. Are we careless with the assignments given us by God and the Church?
  6. Are we preparing for Christs’ return, our personal sin, and fostering a faithful prayer life?
Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared

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Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared

Everybody’s watching something.

Is it easier access to information or a heightened sense of alert that has us watching what’s happening around us?  We rise early and sleep late to hear what’s happening nationally and internationally.  Is the cost of living rising or falling?

With the upcoming elections, we are watchful to see what will happen politically as potential candidates jockey for leadership.  We are eagerly waiting to see who emerges in the key positions on our favorite sports team.

Watchfulness is something that we all do, but the question is, are we watching the right things? Today we will begin a new series entitled, “Practicing Watchfulness”.

What is watchfulness?

Watchfulness is defined as to attend or to observe someone or something closely; being alert and vigilant.  Watchfulness suggests a preparedness in order to avoid being taken unaware by an enemy.  It involves fighting carelessness to reach a desired goal.

Scripture offers great insight into watchfulness.  In Proverbs 8:34 it says, “Blessed is the man who listens for me watching daily at my gate waiting at the post of my door.”  In Nehemiah 4:9 it is written that “Nevertheless we made our prayers to our God and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.”

In the New Testament, three basic emphases on watchfulness are found.  The first is in being prepared for the Lord’s return (Mark 13:32-37).  The second is in our guarding against temptation (Eph. 5:15-16).  And finally, watchfulness in our prayers (Eph. 6:18).

A lesson on watchfulness.

To introduce this study on watchfulness, we will share the familiar parable of the Wise and the Foolish Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13.  The lesson on watchfulness is found in verse 10.

 But while they [the foolish Virgins] were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked. (Amplified)

Jesus taught this parable to His disciples knowing they might lose heart after He left them.  They would need the help of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18).   His future Church would also need encouragement as they watched for His Second Coming (Matt. 24:42-44).

In 2024, we too, need encouragement as we go through these extremely perilous times.  As we look around, there are serious issues in the world around us.  We may become fearful and feel hopeless.  But Jesus wants us to be encouraged.  We are never alone.  As we watch, He stands with us (John 15:4).

Undesired consequences.

In Jesus’ parable, 10 virgins awaited the bridegroom’s return.  Unfortunately, only half of them were prepared.  They were watchful even in light of the bridegroom’s delay.

Jesus’ parable gives us ample warning about watchfulness and the need for spiritual preparation.  Anyone found lacking in either of these, risks eternal consequences.

F. B. Meyer, noted theologian and teacher, shares five (5) mistakes the foolish virgins made. Let us not do the same!

    1. They made no preparation for the continuation of their light. How do we keep our spiritual lamps burning?   Are we reading God’s Word, praying, and in fellowship with other Christians?
    1. They slept. Are we awake and alert today?  Are we watchful and ready to serve?
    1. They thought they could procure oil from the wise virgins. Are we personally prepared to serve and maintain our relationship with Jesus? Are we depending on others to make the connection for us?
    1. They thought that they could get in. Do we think our past actions or positions will guarantee us entrance into eternity?  What is our current relationship with Jesus?
    1. They thought the bridegroom would recognize them. When He returns, will Jesus recognize us (John 10:14)?

Watchfulness is important to us today.  Even more than in the 1st century.  “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matt. 24:42).  More to come next week on Practicing Watchfulness.

Advent/Christmas

Advent Revisited: A Psalm for Advent

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A Psalm for Advent

A Time to remember

One of the things I love to do during the holiday season is to find a quiet place in the house and reminisce on how my family prepared for Christmas.    After Thanksgiving, we would receive the “Sears and Roebuck” Christmas catalog.  We called it “the dream book.” Now Christmas displays begin to appear before Halloween.

As believers, we have the liturgical calendar to help us “mark” the different aspects of this most holy season.  It begins with Advent and the practice of waiting.  It culminates with Christmas, a time of celebrating the arrival of our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

This Advent, I invite you to join us as we reminisce and revisit Advents of the past through our WordBytes devotion.  We have chosen three (3) of our most popular Advent WordBytes from past years.  We hope they will fill your hearts with hope, peace, joy, and love.

“A PSALM FOR ADVENT”