Good morning,
Today, I would just like to talk a little about not allowing the cares of the world to choke the Word of God. "Then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless." (Mark 4:19) Then again in Luke 21:30-36,"But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose; For it will come upon all who live upon the face of the entire earth. Keep awake then and watch at all times [be discreet, attentive, and ready], praying that you may have the full strength and ability and be accounted worthy to escape all these things [taken together] that will take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man." Watch is to keep awake; to stay vigilant, don't quit or become lethargic; to stay alert, not slothful; strict attention; to look attentively and observe as to see what comes, is done, or happens; to be careful or cautious. The Holy Spirit is a genius of course, and He gives us inside information, making us wise if we will only listen and do. Father has been preparing us for the troubles that are coming as well as keeping us growing stronger. That is the process, a little more added weight to build up your endurance and strength, so that you don't give up at the first sign of trouble. He is telling us to stay alert and observe, so that you may not be caught off guard anything, especially the season of His coming. Discreet means wise and judicious in your affairs; showing good judgment in your conduct. Attentive means regarding with care; heedful and observant; consideration with a view to action; to be cautious and apply oneself. Ready means to prepared for something about to be done or experienced; equipped and supplied with what is needed; not hesitant and not reluctant; prepared to be immediately available or at hand. Father God has given to us everything necessary to see to it that we make it all the way to the finish line and that we are victorious as we run. "For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue)." (2 Peter1:3)
We are entering the last leg of the race, so here we must pay strict attention to Paul, "Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and [for which] you confessed the good confession [of faith] before many witnesses."(1 Tim. 6:12) Fight here means to struggle with difficulties and dangers; to compete for a prize; to contend (with an adversary) to endeavor with strenuous zeal in order to obtain something; to accomplish; labor fervently; to strive. Eternity is what should be our focus and goal, it should be what we are aiming and running for, not the earthly. Souls for the eternal Kingdom is our business. Don't lose your focus, stay alert, be discreet, attentive, and ready." If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth". (Col. 3:1-3) The Lord is encouraging us to keep our eyes on the prize and push with zeal to to accomplish it!
Love,
Pastor D.
Daughters of Z 