Modern Reformer
Check us out on Facebook or Email us
  • Home
    • Contact
  • My Blog
    • Helping in Turkana
    • Iceland overview
    • Day 1 in Iceland
    • Photos from the Amsterdam Trip
    • Trip of a Lifetime
    • Our Journey
    • This World Stinks
    • The Elements Shall Melt
    • False Prophets- - AMEN!
    • Death of the Church
    • Who was the last prophet sent by God?
    • Write the Vision
    • Fast Food Christians
    • Jesus Wept
    • The Demise of the Protestant
    • Considering Memorial Day
    • Judas
    • The Downfall of a Civilization
    • Divine Business
    • A Futuristic Short Story
  • Questions
    • Prophecy >
      • What is the point of the "Great Tribulation" if all of the Christians will be raptured?
      • How Do We Prepare for the Great Tribulation?
      • Many preachers say Jesus is coming soon, while there are no clear signs of it. Is it a scare tactic to make people do what they want?
      • Is it true that the Bible says that no one goes to heaven until Jesus comes back?
      • What does the Bible say about Jesus' Second Coming?
      • When does the 2nd Resurrection Take Place?
      • How will Jehovah God save Israel when he brings all nations against it ?
      • When the kingdom of God is established, in what manner ( physically or ?? ) will everybody who obeys Jehovah God will become like Adam ( they will no longer be males and females but all males ) ??
      • Spiritually, What are we on the verge of?
      • When did the 70 years desolation spoken by Jeremiah begin?
      • What is meant by Rome being called the Antichrist?
      • In the book of Daniel 11:21-24, is the despicable man that is mentioned here was Antiochus Epiphanes IV?
      • What is the difference between the Babylonia that were mentioned in the Old Testament and the Babylonia that was mentioned in the book of Revelation?
      • What are the comparison of the verses Ps 83:1-8,Ez 38:7-16, Zech 14:2-3,and Rev 20:8-9--are they the same in meaning?
      • Of that Day and that Hour
      • How Will Jesus' Second Coming Happen?
      • Will the End Times Battle Be Fought With Weapons
      • Biblically speaking what will the world be like after Armageddon?
      • End Times and Sodom and Gomorrah?
      • At which trumpet will Michael and his angels boot Satan and his angels from heaven to earth?
      • When does/did Jesus Christ's reign as King of God's Kingdom start?
      • Is the Beast in Revelation the Antichrist?
      • Jesus Would Return as He Left?
      • What do you think Jesus meant that if God had not shortened those days, no flesh would survive?
      • What are You Looking Forward To?
      • Is This the Beginning of the Apocalypse?
      • What does Jesus Mean When He Says This?
      • Evidence of the Signs of the Times?
      • What will the Kingdom Accomplish?
      • How Will the Scoffers Feel when Jesus Comes?
      • What is the Significance of the Word "Presence."
      • Why Does My Mom Say We are in the Last Day?
      • What Exactly do People Think the Apocalypse is?
    • Doctrine >
      • Can a person worthy of Heaven be OK with others going to Hell?
      • Can the theory of "being born a sinner" and the theory of "age of accountability" exist at the same time? How and why?
      • According to the Bible, why is everyone born a sinner?
      • Do those don't hear about Jesus go to hell?
      • How is Christ the Wisdom of God?
      • Why does the Soul of the Dead Sinner need to be Oppressed?
      • What did Jesus mean when He said: The Way, the Truth, the Life?
      • Is the Fire of Hell Literal? Why?
      • Did Jesus Redeem Everyone? Is Everyone Saved?
      • If a baby or infant died ....he'll become an angel?
      • What is Biblical Faith?
      • Do You Believe in Hell?
      • Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism, which is more important?
      • Question on Death, Sleep, Resurrection?
      • What is the soul?
      • The Rapture
      • Is John the Baptist going to heaven?
    • General Questions >
      • How can the Gospel transform individuals and the society today?
      • Why are dogs not allowed in heaven according to the Bible?
      • Question about Islam and Christianity
      • Is a Person Who Hasn't Heard About Christianity a Sinner...?
      • Are Saints in Heaven Free...?
      • Question on John the Baptist
      • Thief on the Cross Question
      • Does the Bible has a mention about the secret societies like...?
      • Is the Garden of Eden still on earth (hidden from mankind ) ?
      • Does the Bible prove all other religions false?
      • Why do Muslims hate Jews ?
      • What do you think of the Interpretation of Gen. 2:17?
      • Did God Hate Esau from the Womb?
      • What is your opinion of the theological terms kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God?
      • ​Please can you explain Colossians 2:14-17, where it's says "do not let anyone judge you"?
      • What do you mean by Regeneration..?
      • Is it literally mean that Turkey is the seat of Satan?
      • I'm a Christian but I don't like to go to church...I pray and read my bible in the house....what the bible teaches about fellowship?
      • Abraham the father of Isaac and Ismael...he was Jew or Hebrew..?
      • I'm a believer. I pray that I might win in lottery,sweepstakes, casino...I won....is this a sin?
      • Please Explain Romans 10:9,10
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What is the Purpose of Satan?
      • Why would God do this? And then punish Israel for it?
      • Is the Roman Catholic Church a true church established by Jesus Christ?
      • What is Heaven Like?
      • How long (on average) does it take one to join your religion?
      • Is a judge performing his duties in a courtroom violating Jesus' command, "Do not judge"?
      • How is it that even the demons "knew Him to be the Christ." How did they know?
      • Who is Jesus claiming to be in John 8:24 and what does it mean to "die in your sins"?
      • Does the Bride of Christ have to die first?
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What about Holidays?
      • What is a Biblical Family?
      • How do We Treat Family Members Who Say They are Christians but Don't Acts Like It?
      • What is the Second Death?
      • Question on the Parable of the Two Sons
      • Christ came that we would have life abundantly correct?
      • Who is the Son of Perdition?
      • What are your thoughts on Psalm 137:9?
      • What is the difference between the DOOR in Rev 3:8 and the DOOR in Rev 3:20 ?
      • Out of the Seven Churches in Revelation, which would you say is the closet to your church?
      • What is the main message in the book of Amos, what value does it hold for today’s modern society?
      • Gospel of Thomas question:
      • Question on Tithing
      • Are some people never going to be resurrected from the dead?
      • Does God Love Unconditionally?
      • What Percentage of the Bible Do You Have to Know?
      • Do you keep the Sabbath?
      • Why was Man Excluded Because No Wedding Garment?
      • It is the Day of Atonement...Will you offer a prayer & agree in prayer for their salvation?
      • Did Noah Keep Bees in the Ark?
      • As the Pope's 9-letter surname, Bergoglio, has the word GOG bang in the middle of it, I wonder if biblical?
      • Who is Peter talking about in 1 Peter 4:18?
      • What is the purpose of pigs?
      • Please explain how the meek inherit the earth?
      • Do You Know the Names of Jesus' Two Sheepfolds?
      • Is Jesus in His Human Body in Heaven?
  • Meditations of Joy
    • Overcoming Lack of Confidence to Connect and ‘Fit In’ Part 1
    • All Things in the Name of Jesus
    • The Treasured Life
    • Afflicted in Faithfulness
    • Making All Things New
    • Instinctive Trust
    • #721 Extracting the Precious from the Worthless
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism and Conflict Part 2
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism Part 1
    • Facing Change and the Unknown in Confidence
    • Glorify Thy Name in us, O LORD
    • Remembering Who We Are
    • Deliverance through Overwhelm
    • Finding Stability
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited)
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father Part 2
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father
    • The Expanse of Jesus Prayer
    • The Reality of the Joy Set Before Him
    • The Determination To Do His Will
    • Choosing the Will of the Father
    • He Sustains the Weary with a Word
    • I am willing
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40.27-31 my own Part 2
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40:27-31 my own
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 5
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 4
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 3
    • #698 Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1 A Dear Brother wrote out the main things he was learning in the past year. As I read them I realized that that the Lord was teaching me along similar lines. First he shared: 1. “God’s
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times Part 2Blog
    • Humble Yourself Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times
    • Thriving in the house of God
    • Living the Divine Dimensions of Their Love
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 2
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 1
    • Dealing with ‘What If’ Part 1
    • Abiding in Their Love
    • Serving by Night
    • Serving By Night
    • Tenacious Love Part 2
    • Tenacious Love Part 1
    • Reverence for God is an Access to Wisdom and Confidence
    • The Practice of Praise
    • Separate the Precious from the Worthless
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 2
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 1
    • #676 Only One Thing is Necessary
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 2
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 1
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 2 In the Care of the Shepherd
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 1 in the Hands of the Potter
    • The Choice to Rejoice
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 3
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 2
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 1
    • Courage to Go Forward
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 3
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 1
    • The Holy Ground of Challenge
    • What We Remember, What We Forget
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 3
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 2
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 1
    • Paul’s focus in Prison: Part 6b Resurrection power Beyond Our Comprehension
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: In Awe of His Resurrection Power Part 6aBlog
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: Part 5a Never give up praying for one another!
    • Paul's focus in Prison: Part 4 Guarded!
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 3 Going forward with Passion
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 2
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison Part 1
    • LIVING Hope and Joy
    • Arms Wide Open
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited from 2017)
    • “Yet Thou art Holy”
    • Resolutely Going Forward
    • Passover Love
    • Praying for a Word to Give the Weary
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 2
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 1Blog
    • A Night Journey to Peace Part 2
    • A Night Journey to Peace
    • Trusting His Choices
    • Peace Amid the Storm
    • Love is Patient
    • Proving His Name to His Glory
    • Watching in Hope
    • Glorifying His Name Begins with the Realm of Thought
    • "Father Glorify Thy Name"--Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 3 (A roadblock to be aware of)
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 2 (Practical application)
    • Father, Glorify Thy Name
    • Finding His Joy
    • The Blessing of Over-and-Over-Testings
    • Redefining Our Perception of Rejection
    • The Source of all Encouragement
    • Casting our Care and Leaving it There
    • Setting our Face Like Flint
    • Accepting God’s Will for our Beloved Brethren
    • Our Home in Every Challenge: Seeing Beyond the Illusion
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Sure Proof of His Divine Provision
    • Some Lessons from David in Absalam's Rebellion and Unresolved Conflict
    • His Glory: Permission to Prune
    • His Glory: A Call to Re-focus
    • Trade in the Old Thinking for a New Song!
    • A Practical Look at the Armor of God
    • Resting in His Provision
    • His Perspective from the Heights, Borne on the Wings of the Eagle
    • What Would Jesus THINK?
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 2
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 1
    • The Joy of His Love Empowering us to Love Part 2
    • The Joy of Overcoming Irritation: Divine Love Empowering us to Love Part 1
    • The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Sending Portions!
    • Finding Joy Part 2b: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Eat and Drink!
    • Finding Joy Part 2a: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength
    • Finding Joy: The Joy Set Before Us Part 1
    • The Refuge of His Wise and Loving Power
    • Facing the Challenge in the Beauty of Holiness
    • Facing the Challenge with Praise, Prayer and Perspective
    • Enthroning Him upon our Praise
    • Yet You Are Holy
    • Yet You are Holy
    • Another Look at “Arise, Let us go hence”
    • “My Peace” When We Feel Alone
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 5
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 4
    • My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 3
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 2
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 1
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze of Love Part 2
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze
    • Trusting Enough to Get Out of the Boat
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting His Provision in the Process Part 2
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting that what He allows is GOOD.
    • He Knows What We Need, a Call to Praise Amid the Unknown!
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • The Creative Deliverance That Surrounds Us
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 4
    • #547 How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 3
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 2
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 1
    • Our Prayerful Song in the Midst of Whatever Happens
    • #543 What Brings Us Peace No Matter What Happens
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking Part 2
    • He Restores my Soul
    • “Look up and Let Go”
    • Nothing Shall Offend
    • Moment by Moment Deliverance from Fear
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance Part 2
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst Every Circumstance
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’ Part 2
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’
    • Run through the Open Door
    • Dwelling in ONE Master
    • Dwelling in His Shadow and Watching from the Wings
    • Dwelling in the Obedience of Christ
    • Overcoming Some Old Habits of Thought
    • Setting our Minds for Surrender Each Morning
    • Some of Peters Advice for Relationships in these Last Days
    • What Helps us to Accept Every Experience
    • His Leading through the Valley
    • Being His Valiant Warrior
    • Our Valiant Warrior
    • Living Deep-rooted Attachment in Christ
    • Keep on Sowing!
    • Surely the LORD is in the place
    • Red Sea Advice Part 4 The Red Sea Response
    • Red Sea Advice Part 3 The Red Sea Reaction
    • Red Sea Advice Part 2
    • Red Sea Advice Part 1
    • A Call to Peace
    • But Then on The Third Day
    • He Endured the Cross Part 3 Psalm 22 NIV
    • He Endured the Cross Psalm 22 Part 2
    • He Endured the Cross Part 1
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 3
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 2
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 1
    • The Yoke that Gives Us Rest
    • Proper Use of limitation, A Call For Balance
    • Another Lesson in Making Room for Their Surpassing Power Through the Proper Use of our Limitations
    • The Posture of Waiting and Trust that Allows Him To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power 2
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • WE will get through this!
    • Delight to do His will
    • I Know the Plans I Have for You
    • But for a Moment
    • Wake me up, Lord
    • We are a Team!
    • When we feel alone
    • The One Next Step
    • Trusting the Love that Stabilizes Us Through Every Storm
    • Triumph Over Appearance
    • The Joy of His Abundance
    • Express Gratitude
    • Numbering our Days
    • Expressions of His Love
    • The Breadth of His Provision
    • His Faithfulness Behind Every Challenge
    • He Stands at the Door of our Hearts
    • Your Tender Mercies Give Me Life
    • The Craftsmanship of His Workmanship in us
    • With You Wherever You Go
    • Listening to His Voice Amid the Physical Challenge of Shingles
    • A Refuge Better than People Pleasing
    • My Prayer in the Morning
    • They Will Not Prevail
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • How To Be a Refuge Like Him
    • A Very Present Help in Trouble
    • How to be a Refuge Like Him
    • Humble Yourselves Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • On Which Side Will We Dwell?
    • The Light That Shines on Our Challenges
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 6
    • Plow My Thoughts
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 5
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 4
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 3
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 2
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts
    • Stand in Awe in the Midst of Depression
    • Patient Waiting in the Face of Challenge
    • Our Expectation and Refuge in the Face of Fear
    • His Way of Escape
    • Healing the Root of Fear pt 2
    • Healing the Root of Fear
    • Weeding Day
    • Another Aspect of Wash Day!
    • Wash Day!
    • The Cup of Blessing Which We Bless
    • Our Abba Father
    • Accepting the Gift and Passing it On
    • Accepting the Gift of His Training
    • Open Our Eyes to See
    • The Breath of Forgiveness Part 2
    • The Breath of Forgiveness
    • Living Each Moment for Him
    • Diamonds in the Night
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 7
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 6
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 2
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 1
    • Faithful in the Hour Part 1
    • Delight in His Delight
    • The Beauty of Brokenness Surrendered to Him
    • How to Never Give up Part 2
    • How to Never Give UP part 1
    • Whatever We Do Part 2
    • Whatever We Do
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Tested by the Word of God
    • Waiting on the LORD
    • My Dad Road Sign
    • The Amazing Privilege of Being Coached by the Most High God
    • Casting Both Circles of Care Upon Him
    • The Heart of Deliverance
    • Say Amen!
    • Amen
    • Trusting Where He Leads
    • Made Strong to Listen
    • This is Who I AM
    • The Mindset of Deliverance
    • Strongholds
    • Your Love Has Conquered My Resistance
    • Our Stability Amid These Times and Seasons of Change
    • Precious in the Sight part 2
    • Precious in the Sight of the Lord
    • His Battle
    • Looking to Him
    • Proving Him Holy
    • Rejoice in the Road
    • The Divine Ectetera
    • Waking up to Hope in God in the Present Moment
    • Hiding His Word in Our Heart
    • The Power of Acceptance
    • The Power of Listening From His Love
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight (In Relationships)
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight Part 2
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight
    • The Past and Present Reality of Deliverance
    • Willing To Trust
    • Quieting the Noise So We Can Hear His Knock and Receive Feasting in Place of Empty Snacking
    • An Olive Tree in the House of God
    • Our Choice at Break of Day
    • From Accusation to Acclamation
    • The Pure Joy of What Is
    • Arise and Eat
    • Power Over the Pit
    • His Altar (The Dimensions of Love)
    • Living The Dimensions of Love
    • The Dimensions of Love
    • All My Springs are in You
    • Crucified with Christ--A Prayer
    • Psalm 22 on the Cross to the Ninth Hour
    • The Mind of Christ Revealed on the Cross Part 2
    • The Mind of Christ as Revealed on the Cross Part 1
    • Stop and Savor His View
    • The Final Hymn
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 3
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 2
    • Keeping the Power of the Father and the Son part 1
    • Father Glorify Thy Name
    • She Has Done What She Could
    • The Megaphone of God
    • Teach me to be an influence that honors You
    • Fill Me with Your Willingness and Skill
    • The Greatest Reality Amid any Overwelm
    • Seeing Something New
    • Trusting Him Anew
    • The Power of the Yoke of Jesus
    • How to be Humble
    • Building Faith to Prepare for Any Collision
    • Opening the Door of our Language to God
    • Safe in His Compassions
    • Who He Is in Every Experience
    • Continual Praise
    • Beside Still Waters
    • Faith and Hope in the Midst of Challenge
    • The Beauty of Flaw Wrapped in Perfection Revisited
    • Empowering Love
    • Discovering the Hidden Treasure
    • Thoroughly Known
    • Very Present Help
    • Not by Might
    • Under His Wings I Trust
    • Aiming at Eternity
    • What to Forget, What to Remember
    • Ready to Turn My Life Around for God
    • Triumph Over Circumstances--Don't Kill the Messenger
    • Waterlogged and Triumphant
    • Escape from Stress When We Don't Understand
    • Escape from Stress, Equipped with Hinds Feet
    • Surely the Lord is in the Place
    • Escape from Stress When We Fail part 2
    • Escaping from Stress When We Fail part 1
    • Escape From Stress When We don't Understand
    • From Stress to Peace Part 1
    • Step by Step Escape from Stress
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • Overcoming Illusion
    • The Blessing of Overwelm
    • Jesus is the Door
    • In Perfect Faithfulness
    • The Space to Choose
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • The Voice of our Risen Lord
    • Passover Perspectives: A Night of Watching
    • Passover Perspectives: The Protection of the Father in the Midst of the Cross
    • Passover Perspectives: The Deliverance that will Never Be Forgotten
    • Passover Perspectives: No Fear
    • Passover Perspective: The Far Reaching Power of His Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives: Living Unleavened
    • Passover Perspectives: Eating on the Run
    • Passover Perspectives: The Fires that Proved Him Faithful
    • Passover Perspectives: The Power of his Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives Exodus 12: The Keeping of the Lamb
    • Passover Perspectives: A collective celebration
    • Passover Perspectives: A New Beginning
    • A Prayer for God's Glory
    • Road Sign
    • The Beauty of Perfection
    • Every Hour
    • What will we put in the Relationship Box?
    • Discovering His Everlasting Love
    • His Timing and Strength in Every Phase of Life
    • Trusting Him in Every Valley
    • Trusting the One Who Pours the Cup
    • Smallest Beginning, Greatest Gift
    • Thoroughly Known, Thoroughly Pursued
    • Red Sea Rule #10
    • Red Sea Rule #9
    • Agreeing with God
    • Red Sear Rule #8
    • Red Sea Rule #7
    • Red Sea Rule #6
    • Red Sea Rule #5
    • Red Sea Rule 3 & 4
    • Red Sea Rules #2
    • Red Sea Rules--part 1
    • What Great Honor
    • What do you see?
    • The Power of a Living Faith
    • Awe for God in the Face of Fear
    • No Trial Will Ever Be Too Severe
    • The Work of the Gardener and the Architect
    • Wisdom Out of the Whirlwind
    • Hold On
    • Dwelling in Hope: The power of what we expect and believe
    • Conflict as a Call to Loving Action
    • Trusting His Infinite Wisdom
    • Emotion Management through The Power of Discretion
    • Do Not Delay; The Golden Moments Fly
    • Delight in the Lord
    • Loving New Part 2
    • Loving New
    • To Change the Paradigm
    • My Yoke is Easy, My Burden is Light
    • The Way of Escape
    • Equipped to Face Whatever Comes
    • Time to Trust part 3
    • Time to Trust part 2
    • A Time to Trust
    • Words of Wisdom
    • Wake Up New and See the Bigger Picture
    • Weeping and Finding
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • His Seamless Garment
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • Compelled by Love
    • Test of the Dream Part 3B
    • Test of the Dream --Part 3
    • Test of the Dream --Part 2
    • The Test of the Dream
    • The Love of God in Christ--part 2
    • The Love of God in Christ
    • Shedding Light on Discouragement
    • No More Re-Runs and No more Previews
    • No More Re-Runs
    • Triumph of Trust
    • With You Always, Day by Day
    • Triumph over Temptation
    • Step by Step
    • The Lord, My Confidence --part 2
    • The Lord, My Confidence--part 1
    • Seeking the Face of God and Christ
    • My Always Faithful God
    • The Answer to Overwhelm
    • Every Knee Shall Bow
    • Free to Experience the Intentions of God
    • Finding Bread at Midnight
    • Faithful Wounds
    • Battlefield Strategies
    • Take Time to Be Kind
    • Oh Magnify the Lord with Me by the Power of Thanksgiving
    • What do You Expect?
    • Unlikely Battlefield Strategies Part 2
    • The Miracle of Acceptance
    • Crisis Control
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • The Power of Pure Choice in Christ
    • Let the King of Glory In!
    • Whose Wall Do I Trust?
    • The Power of Thanksgiving
    • The Postures of Possiblities
    • If You Trust Me Let Go
    • Barefoot!
    • Holy Ground: Accepting the Mission
    • Holy ground: Facing the Fire
    • After the Battle
    • Accessable
    • Surrender in Awe and Wait in Joy
    • The Strength of our Spiritual Root System
    • Space to Trust
    • Full of Sap Part 3
    • Full of Sap Part 2
    • Full of Sap
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 3
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 2
    • Mind of Mature Persistance
    • Expect the Unexpected
    • Hearing Through the Ears of Jesus
    • Our Memorial Legacy: Keeping the Feast
    • Our Memorial Legacy
    • The Heart of the Father
    • The Cattle on a Thousand Hills
    • Patient with Process
    • He is Risen! Continue to Seek
    • Never Out-Numbered--Never Give Up!
    • Never Out-Numbered
    • Gathering Forces No Match For the Lord of the Harvest
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice – A Testimony
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice on the Cross
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 8
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 7
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 6
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 5
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 4
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 3
    • Jesus' Last Prayer Part 2
    • Jesus Last Prayer--Part 1
    • The Great Exchange Epilogue
    • The Great Exchange
    • Back to Bethel --I Will Make an Alter There
    • Back to Bethel, Put Away Foreign Gods
    • Surely the Lord is in this place part 4
    • Surely the Lord is in this Place part 3
    • Surely the Lord is in this Place part 2
    • Surely the Lord is in This Place
    • Jesus is Lord part 2
    • Jesus Christ is Lord
    • Hope in the Face of Every Circumstance
    • A Creative Day
    • And It Was Good
    • Trusting the Silence of God
    • When the Stone is too Heavy Part 2
    • Peace When the Stone is Too Heavy
    • The Peace When We are Silent
    • The Path to Peace Part 3
    • Path to Peace Part 2
    • The Path to Peace Part 1
    • What Ever You Do part 2
    • What Ever You Do
    • Welcome Home part 2
    • Unencumbered Vision
    • Training Our Perceptions in the Spiritual Gymnasium of Challenge
    • The Vacuum Cleaner Dreams
    • Restoring the Spark of Life in Life part 2
    • Restoring the Spark of Life in Life part 1
    • Welcome Home
    • Overcoming Satan Overcoming Guilt part 2
    • Overcoming Satan, Overcoming Guilt part 1
    • Dealing with Emotions part 2
    • Dealing with Emotions
    • The Power of We
    • Do Not Delay part 2
    • Do Not Delay part 1
    • Something New
  • Foreign Studies
    • Alur >
      • CIK MAN WORO II GIRACWIA MANYEN --Electing Elders
      • WARAGA PA KRISTO (Epistle of Christ)
      • CIK MU ROMO – CIK MI MOLA--The Royal Law--Alur
    • Laganda >
      • AMAKULU AMALALA AG'OKUTAGANGIRIRA NE SADAKA Y'OKUTANGIRIRA
      • EWEEMA ESSULA EY'OKUNA (Chapter IV Tabernacle Shadows)
      • OKWAWULIBWA KWA BAKABONA--Tabernacle chapter 3
      • ISIRAIRI, AB'ALEEVI N'E BAKABONA--Tabernacle chapter 2
      • EWEEMA EY'OKUSISINKANIRAMU--Tabernacle chapter 1
      • OKUBATIZIBWA KWE KITONDE EKIGYA ( BAPTISM)
      • ENKOLA EY'EKIMU KYEKUMI --The Tithing custom--Luganda
      • ENKOLA NE MPIISA MU KANISA YA BALONDE--E315 Doctrine and Studies
      • EMPISA MU KANISA YA BALONDE--Matthew 18New Page
      • ENKOLA NE MPISA ZE KITONDE EKIGYA--Electing Elders
      • OLUNAKU OLW'OBUSUNGU NE KIRUYI ERI ABABI The Day of Vengeance
      • KIKI EKIRI MUBOWOMBEEFU OBWAMAZIMA What is Embodied in True Humility
      • OKUBIRIZA BANAFFE MU KWAGALA --Provoke One Another
      • EKIRAGIRO EKIKULU GYETULI OMWOYO W’OKWAGALA--The Royal Law--The Golden Rule
      • TUNULIRA OYO EYAKOMERERWA--A Look at the Crucified One
      • EBBALUWA YA KRISTO (The Epistle of Christ)
      • OKUTEEKA OMUTIMA KU NDOGOYI (Putting the Heart Before the Horse)
    • Swahili >
      • "MAJIVU YA NDAMA KUSHINIKIZA KICHAFI "
      • HALI YA SASA YA UKRISTO--Chapter 6
      • USHAURI WA PETRO KWA WAZEE
      • WAKILI DHALIMU --The Unjust Steward
      • AINA NYINGINE YA SADAKA ZA DHAMBI --Tabernacle chapter 5
      • "SIKU KUU YA UPATANISHO"--Tabernacle chapter 4
      • MAJARIBU YA KIPEKEE KWA KIUMBE KIPYA--Temptations Peculiar to the New Creation
      • "BWANA MUNGU WAKO ANAKUTHIBITISHA" --The Lord proveth you
      • MTAZAMO KWA ALIYESULUBISHWA--A Look at the Crucified OneNew Page
      • 1 Wakorintho 6
      • MAANA MKITENDA HAYO MAMBO--If you Do These Things
      • KUTAKASIWA KWA KUHANI--Tabernacle chapter 3 the Priesthood
      • WANYENYEKEVU NDIYO WATAKAO URIDHI UFALME--Only the Humble shall share in the Kingdom
      • BUSARA KAMA NYOKA NA WAPOLE KAMA NJIWA--Wise as serpents, harmless as doves
      • WAISRAELI, WALAWI NA WAKUHANI--Tabernacle chapter 2
      • Mabadiliko Ya Dhambi Za Biashara Zaidi---Tabernacle chapter 1
      • Ubatizo katika kifo cha Kristo--Baptisim into Christ's Death-Swahili
      • MTU WA YEHOVA--Messenger of Jehovah
      • KUCHUKULIA JINA LA MUNGU KWA MZAHA--Taking the Lord's Name in Vain
      • TUMAINI ILIYOBORA KWA KUFUNGUA UBINADAMU.--blessed hope for suffering humanity
      • Tumaini za Uhai Milele na Uhamasishaji uliyodhaminiwa na upatanisho--Everlasting Life and Immortality
      • NENO ZILIZOFANYWA MWILI.--Logos Made Flesh
      • Upendo kwa vitendo.--Love in Action
      • Wana wa MUNGU WA ROHO na MUNGU--Spirit-begotten Sons of God R5582
      • FUNGO LA VI Sehemu ya 4 — Mafundisho na Mikutano--Doctrines and Meetings
      • FUNGO LA VI Sehemu ya 3 - Kanisa na Mikutano--Church Meetings
      • TAFADHALI NA USHAURI KWA UADILIFU Mpya Nidhamu katika Eklesia
      • TAFADHALI NA USHAURI KWA UADILIFU MPYA. WAZEE.--EldersNew Page
      • MUHIMU WA KUJIDHIBITI.
      • GHARAMA WA KIUFUNDI.--Cost of Discipleship
      • CHAGUENI LEO NI NANI MTAKAYE MTUMIKIA Choose Ye This Day Whom You Shall Serve
      • KURUDI KWA BWANA WETU NA HASILI YAKE UREKEBISHO YA KILA KITU --Our Lord's Return
      • KUJIFUNGUZA KABLA--Provoking One Another
      • "HERI WALIO SAFI MOYONI"--Blessed are the Pure in Heart
      • "SIKU YA SHULE"--The Day of Vengence
      • NINI KIHUSISHWA NA UAMINIFU WA KWELI--What is Embodied in True Humility
      • SHERIA YA KIFALME NA SHERIA YA DHAHABU--The Royal Law
      • William Wilberforce--Real Christianity--Swahili >
        • Introductions
        • SURA YA KWANZA--Chapter 1
        • SURA YA PILI--Chapter 2
        • SURA YA TATU KUELEWA UKRISTO WA KIDESTURI--Chapter 3ge
        • Sura ya nne VIGEZO VYA KWELI VYA TABIA ZA KIKRISTO--Chapter 4 (sections 1 and 2)
        • SURA YA TANO--HOJA ZA UKRISTO WA KWELI
      • Kuweka Moyo mbele ya Farasi.--(Putting the Heart before the Horse)
      • WARAKA WA KRISTO--Epistle of Christ
  • Studies
    • Topical Studies >
      • After this Manner Pray Ye
      • How To Live in a Cancel Culture
      • Enjoy Your Mess of Pottage
      • The Importance of Self-Control
      • Blessed are the Pure in Heart
      • Provoking One Another
      • The Royal Law--The Golden Rule
      • A Look at the Crucified One
      • The Epistle of Christ
      • Putting the Heart before the Horse.
      • Forgive Seventy Times Seven
      • Prayer
      • The Heart More Important than the Head
      • Control of the Tongue a Necessity
      • Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
      • Love in Action
      • Deeper Insights into the Resurrection of Lazarus
      • Hindrances to Spiritual Growth
      • John Wycliffe and the Lollards
      • Arius and the Public Debate
      • Peter Waldo and the Waldensians
      • John Huss
      • Day of the Lord
      • Day of Judgment
      • Judgment Its Use and Abuse
      • Zechariah 5 The Woman in the Ephah
      • Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah
      • Messages Given by Church and Great Multitude
      • Joshua and the Battle of Jericho
      • Beauty and Bands--Harmonizing Ezekiel 37 and Zechariah 11
      • To the Glory of God
      • What it means to be a Christian
      • Watch and Pray
      • The Women of Revelation
      • Wise and Foolish Virgins
      • Discourse 2 Peter 3:1-10
      • As the Day is Long
      • Disqualification for the Priesthood
      • Deadly Decisions
      • Doctrine of the Trinity
      • Immortality
      • List of Heresies of the Catholic Church
    • Gospel of Matthew >
      • Matthew Chapter 2
      • Matthew Chapter 3
      • Matthew Chapter 4
      • Matthew Chapter 5
      • Matthew Chapter 7
      • Matthew Chapter 8
      • Matthew Chapter 9
      • Matthew Chapter 10
      • Matthew Chapter 11
      • Matthew Chapter 12
      • Matthew Chapter 13
      • Matthew Chapter 14
      • Matthew Chapter 15
      • Matthew Chapter 16
      • Matthew Chapter 17
      • Matthew Chapter 18
      • Matthew Chapter 19
      • Matthew Chapter 20
      • Matthew Chapter 21
      • Matthew Chapter 22
      • Matthew Chapter 23
      • Matthew Chapter 24
      • Matthew 24
    • Gospel of Mark >
      • Mark Chapter 1
      • Mark Chapter 2
      • Mark Chapter 3
      • Mark Chapter 4
      • Mark Chapter 5
      • Mark Chapter 6
      • Mark Chapter 7
      • Mark Chapter 8
      • Mark Chapter 9
      • Mark Chapter 10
      • Mark Chapter 11
      • Mark Chapter 12
      • Mark Cahpter 13
    • Gospel of John >
      • John Chapter 14
      • John Chapter 15
      • John Chapter 16
      • John Chapter 17
    • Romans 12
    • Timothy >
      • 2 Timothy Chapter 2
      • 2 Timothy Chapter 3
      • 2 Timothy Chapter 4
    • Hebrews >
      • Hebrews Chapter 1
      • Hebrews Chapter 2
      • Hebrews Chapter 3
      • Hebrews Chapter 4
      • Hebrews Chapter 5
      • Hebrews Chapter 6
      • Hebrews Chapter 7
      • Hebrews Chapter 8
      • Hebrews Chapter 9
      • Hebrews Chapter 10
      • Hebrews Chapter 11
      • Hebrews Chapter 12
      • Hebrews Chapter 13
    • Epistles of Peter >
      • 1 Peter Chapter 1
      • 1 Peter Chapter 2
      • 1 Peter Chapter 3
      • 1 Peter Chapter 4
      • 1 Peter Chapter 5
      • 2 Peter Chapter 1
      • 2 Peter Chapter 2
      • 2 Peter Chapter 3
    • Revelation >
      • Introduction to Revelation
      • Revelation Chapter 2
      • Revelation Chapter 3
      • Revelation Chapter 4
      • Revelation Chapter 18
    • Psalms >
      • Psalm 52
      • Psalm 91
      • Psalm 96
      • Psalm 96
      • Psalm 97
      • Psalm 120
    • Proverbs >
      • Proverbs 23
    • Jeremiah >
      • Jeremiah 49
      • Jeremiah 50 Fall of Babylon
      • Jeremiah 51
      • Jeremiah 52
    • Ezekiel >
      • Ezekiel Chapter 1
      • Ezekiel Chapter 2
      • Ezekiel 40:1-5
      • Ezekiel Chapter 40:6-49
    • Malachi >
      • Malachi Chapter 4
  • Our Channel
    • Memorial 2021
    • Bible Time--Creation
  • The Power of our Continual Overwhelming Priority
Picture
Watch and Pray


"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation" (Mark 14:38).


The Christian’s walk in the narrow way during this Gospel age is fraught with temptations and dangers. Consequently, our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ have equipped us with a number of tools to help us day by day. The privilege of prayer is among the most important. Constant communication with God is essential to making our calling and election sure. Attention to the details of our relationship with God and of the experiences He permits is another necessity. In other words, we must be on constant watch for the direction of God as well as the dangerous pitfalls that we encounter.

We have a poignant example of this in the behavior of Jesus’ disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane and Peter’s failures later. In Matthew 26:41 Jesus said, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."[1]

Jesus said this as he returned to the disciples after fervent, personal prayer, only to find them asleep on the most important night of their lives up to that point! Jesus was sympathetic with them, for he knew their flesh was weak and their understanding of things was still shallow. But we have this recorded for our spiritual welfare. Just as the Apostles should have been on guard, watching and praying, so should we, not only in the difficult times of trial but at all other times in our consecrated life, because we do not know when a special trial could come upon us unexpectedly. Jesus refers to this very situation in Mark 13:33, "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."

In the context of this verse Jesus is discussing the signs of his presence and the troubles that would both lead up to and be concurrent with it. But it is clear that Jesus is encouraging his future disciples all through the Gospel Age to watch and pray in preparation for such personal tests and trials of their faith. For us who live at the end of the age, it is especially important to heed the warnings and lessons that come through the specific instructions of scripture, as well as the typical experiences of many Bible characters. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:11,12, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world [age] are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

The purpose of watching is to be alert to both the leadings of God’s spirit in our lives and to guard against sudden temptations to swerve off the narrow way. To be inattentive to this is a symptom that we do not value our call. This sleepy frame of mind will expose us to more temptations.

Diligence

The Apostle Paul advised Timothy well when he wrote, "Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God" (2 Timothy 2:15 ASV). The Apostle Peter said, "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless" (2 Peter 3:14).

The degree of diligence and watching we do indicates how much we value obtaining God’s approval. Considering the weaknesses of our human flesh, we should examine ourselves daily. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Remember that Peter on the last night of our Lord’s earthly ministry experienced a mighty crash of faith. Falling asleep in the Garden was only the first symptom. His denial of Jesus three times later in the evening was a severe blow to his confidence and faith. Mark tells us that "when he thought thereon, he wept" (Mark 14:72).

But our Lord Jesus is understanding and sympathetic. He is ever able and desirous to restore us. In Peter’s case Jesus assured Peter of his confidence in him. In John 21:15-17 Jesus made a point to Peter about love. Jesus asked him three times if Peter loved him.[2] Each time Peter distressingly declared his love for the Lord. Note that each time Jesus told Peter to "feed" Jesus’ followers, Jesus showed the confidence he still had in Peter to handle so great a responsibility! Peter was not rejected for his failure, but embraced with love and confidence by the Master. The same will be true of us if our hearts are perfect, complete, toward God.

Watch and Pray

While we have emphasized the watching aspect to this point, our lesson is to "Watch and Pray." Really, a diligent watcher must continue diligent in prayer as well as remain watchfully on guard. Jesus followed his own advice that night in Gethsemane with continued fervent prayer. If the perfect man Jesus needed to do this, how much more do we! We probably do not have to be told to pray when we find ourselves in a Gethsemane experience. In such a storm we naturally come before God on bended knee for succor and help.

Yet, a Gethsemane experience consists of two parts. There is first the calm before the storm and then the furious storm itself. Had the disciples known what was coming, they unquestionably would have roused themselves in strong and energetic support of Jesus. But the problem was they were not listening closely enough to realize what was coming.

Jesus tried to forewarn Peter. "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31).

"Notwithstanding all that Jesus had said to forewarn him of the sifting experiences that were just before him, St. Peter realized no dread, no fear. Hence he did little watching and praying in comparison with what he should have done, and self-confidence led to his undoing for a time" (Reprint 5563).

God often will kindly permit us the "calm before the storm" to prepare ourselves for the difficult trials He also permits. But we need to listen. If we develop the daily habit of watching and praying, then we will be listening better to the words of God that are sounding around us. The source of God’s voice to us is not merely in the study of the teachings of Jesus and his apostles. Nor is it solely in the daily reading of the Holy Scriptures. It is also found in the voices of our experiences, both the audible voices and the silent ones.

Watching and praying demands we pay attention to our fellowship exchanges. Our God is powerful and can work His personal instruction for us in the haphazard comments of our brethren. A seemingly innocuous word may be the trigger some necessary spiritual thinking on our part. Even a cross word or nasty comment from a brother or a sister, or someone in the world should not be rejected. God spoke to His delinquent prophet Balaam through an ass (Numbers 22:22-31)! A consecrated child of God should be ever alert to hear the voice of God and the voice of the Master through any agency. Oftentimes, God will use such a messenger when we are blind to a weakness of the flesh that might threaten us.

The disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane were blind to the forces gathering around them. They never suspected that they would scatter when their Master was taken, even though Jesus told them they would. "And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered" (Mark 14:27).

Brethren, what will we do when we find ourselves in such a situation? We reason from the prophecies and types in the scriptures that the last members of the church will be martyred. They will have their Gethsemane experience. Will we run and hide? Or will we watch and pray as we enter into the experience and then stand confidently in the power of the holy Spirit against the enemies of the truth? Much depends upon developing the habits of the spiritual mind now before those experiences fall upon us.

Watching and praying will diminish the power of fear in our hearts. That close relationship and walk with God through our Lord Jesus convicts us of God’s overruling providences in every detail of our lives. This conviction is built up in stages. First, we pray to God for spiritual gifts. Then, as we watch, we see God graciously answer our prayers. We ask for help in developing Christ-like character traits. Again, God graciously gives us more difficult experiences to grow those traits. We see, then, in this process how both watching and prayer go hand in hand.

Consequently, when the time of great trial comes, perhaps the terminating experiences of our lives, we have already built up the confidence in Jehovah’s leadings that gives us the courage that carries us through to the end of the trial or the end of our walk.

Chastenings

Earlier, we looked briefly at the Lord’s sweetness in dealing with Peter’s failure of faith. It is necessary for all of us, from time to time, to be chastised of the Lord. As we come to understand the divine will better and better, we become more accountable to be conformed to that will. Thus, God will deal more sharply with deviations that have a partially willful nature.

But we should not allow such chastisements to discourage us. That is not the point of having them. Rather, it is to correct our wrong course and to demonstrate God’s love for us and His accountability to work out His will in us who are willing.

Paul dealt with this very lesson in Hebrews 12:5-13. "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

"Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gavethem reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed."

Watching and praying should be invoked even when God is chastising us. We can do a lot of co-laboring with God in this respect. Be open to the suggestions and constructive criticisms of others. Remember that God works through our brethren to help us grow. "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17). "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools" (Ecclesiastes 7:5).

In summary, a watchful and prayerful consecrated life is daily fortified for the trials that lay ahead. We will not be caught off guard when a Gethsemane experience suddenly appears. We will be alert to the voice of God and Jesus in every sphere of life and from any source. We will be open to the help offered from our brethren, even if it is a bit critical. And we will welcome the chastisements from a loving Heavenly Father who truly desires us to receive the greatest gift He can give, the divine nature.

"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).


David Stein
__________

(1) See also the parallel passage in Mark 14:38.

(2) There are more lessons in these verses than is apparent in English. Jesus does not use the same word for love all three times and he changes those being fed from lambs to sheep. This is left as homework for the reader


Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.