Watch out!

Today, while I'm down in Orlando, I went to church at First Baptist of Orlando with my parents. Pastor Jim Henry was speaking from Mark 13, and reminded me, rather forcefully, of a few things that I really need to remember.

We will always have war and rumors of war. We will always have famine and earthquakes and poverty. We will always have persecution by false churches, family, and society as a whole. We should not be surprised by this - Jesus told us it would happen.

But He also told us that these things are all only the beginning of sorrows, the beginning of birthpangs. And He also said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

So what do we need to do while we wait? Well, first, we need to watch for Him, and for the signs of His return. In Mark 13, He uses "Watch out" and several synonyms about six times. When Jesus repeats something six times, we'd all better pay attention! Secondly, we need to be busy with the work He has set before us. We need to actively and wisely love our families, our churches and our country. We need to preach the Gospel to every creature on the earth, to every tribe and tongue, and nation and kindred. We need to be faithful to His Word and Doctrine, and to follow His teachings diligently, with a spirit of humility.

And when we fail, we need to turn to Him, seek His forgiveness - and ask for His power in our lives to keep us from stumbling again.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:8-10)

Lord, please forgive my failures, and help me walk closer to You. Help me turn from my sins, leave them behind me, and do the work You have set before me. Thank you for Your grace and mercy to me, Lord!

Comments

[Cao]

1.

Let me get quiet enough inside my mind-to a quiet place, at least once a day, so I can hear your will for me, oh, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. And I need to be paying far more attention to scripture and readings like this. I hope you put more up like this in the future, R'cat. I love reading posts like this. G'bless-Cao.