Daily Devotional

Word of the Day

Are You on Guard?

Paul says, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Paul gives us some insight to help us stand when times get tough: Jesus is coming! Beloved, see the hour we're living in! Do you believe Jesus is coming? Doctrinally you say, "Amen!" But do you believe Jesus is coming? Do you believe before this day is over the trump of God could sound? Then why are you worrying about tomorrow? Why is discontentment dragging you down? Why is the compulsion of the world system--the competitiveness, the desire to fit in, the desire to be a success, and to be like them--driving you with greater force than purifying yourself to make yourself ready for the Bridegroom? Do you use your energy worrying about what you don't have rather than rejoicing in your treasures laid up in heaven? Are you rejoicing that your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life? That's success to rejoice in.

Everything here is going to be judged by the presence of God and go up in flames. Our lives and all that we've done will be judged by that same consuming fire. Our God, the Bible says, is a consuming fire; and everything that's not of Him burns up in His presence. Our works-- wood, hay, and stubble-- are going to burn, that which wasn't done for the glory of God by the power of God. But there is laid up for us a crown of righteousness for those who love His appearing!

Where is your treasure? Paul said, "Watch (check your heart)." That word "watch" speaks of a sentry (someone who is on guard). Are you guarding yourself against the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, the lusts of the flesh? Are you on guard? Are you watching with sobriety? We're living in a day of revelry. Are you sober, or are you caught up and drunk with the party spirit? Everybody lives for the weekend. Why? That's "my" time, that's selfish time, that's party time. As Christians, every day is alike. Every day is an opportunity to be an evangelist. Every day is an opportunity to serve others and not ourselves. Every day is a day of thankfulness that God has placed us in the pulpit of our vocation. Most of the world goes to work hating their jobs. We as Christians go to work with thanksgiving that God has placed us among some people where we can let our light shine! That will change your outlook as you go to work. Do you view your life, job, and family as a privilege? Are you thankful? Do you understand that God has placed you in the body, in your vocation, in the neighborhood as it pleases Him? The Word of God says, "...Godliness with contentment is great gain...Having food and raiment let us therewith be content" (1 Tim. 6:6, 8). Are you content?

Being watchful is being aware in this society of seductiveness, covetousness, revelry, and hedonism. The number one question to ask yourself is, "Am I content and thankful for where I am today in the Lord Jesus?" If you're not, you're a prime candidate for the roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Your lack of sobriety will cause your destruction. You are easy pickings for the god of this world, who can walk up to you and say, "All of this is mine to give you if you'll just bow down and worship me." Are you content?

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