by David Brenneman
"Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’ ” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”" Luke 18:1-8.
Jesus spoke to John in a vision and gave this great promise to those who remain watchful: “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake” (Rev. 16:15). - Dr. Charles Stanley, from his devotional notes for Life Principle 30: An eager anticipation of the Lord’s return keeps us living productively.
"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13.
"But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation." 1 Thessalonians 5:8.
“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame." Revelation 16:15.
“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." Matthew 24:42-44.
Persistent in prayer while looking at the horizon for the return of Jesus. That pretty much sums up where this is going.
Jesus taught both lessons and they weren't just for those there with Him. We're also to be sober in spirit. Seriously living the Christian life with all due diligence. Being aware of the temptations to allow sinful things into our lives that will be disguised as wonderful things.
Charles Spurgeon was talking about that very thing in the devotional I read last night from the Morning and Evening devotional book.
Be very aware of what you're permitting in your life that's not God honoring, that in fact you've actually compromised because while so engaged you're setting aside the character of Christ to 'enjoy' it.
We do not know when Jesus will come back.
How many of you just love getting caught in the middle of doing something you know full well was wrong? A show of hands, who loves to go through the shame and disgrace of being outed for what was a wrong decision or choice?
How many of you just love completely unexpected surprise visits with no time to prepare? Probably not many of you.
How many of you are actually obeying God by being persistent in prayer? How many rage against people rather than obeying God by praying for them? How many have dreams of revenge when the Bible says that revenge belongs to God?
How many spend much of your life trying to figure out how to get the most money so that your belief that it will solve your problems is proven true? How many of you were very much blessed of God and are spending that on yourself rather than blessing others?
My Dear Reader...all those questions you will find in various forms throughout the Gospels in the teachings of Jesus.
Our lives should absolutely be spent with the daily expectation of Jesus coming back.
Our lives should absolutely be in persistent prayer.
Our lives should absolutely be us ever watchful of allowing things that will harm our relationships with others.
Our lives are supposed to be spent growing in the character of Christ.
Will Jesus find Believers in persistent prayer when He returns?
Does He hear Believers praying for His quick return?
Are prayers heard by Him of thanksgiving and gratefulness?
You should examine yourself to see if these things are so in your life.
If they aren't, now you know what to work on in 2026.
Will you be found as one shocked by Jesus returning or will you be eagerly waiting?
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.
A corporation not for profit.
La Habra, CA All rights reserved
No comments:
Post a Comment