“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto all, watch.” Mark 13: 32-37
“The fear of the Lord is the begging of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
Our weekly Christian devotional
“I deserve this. My husband is always working. Alex actually pays attention to me.”
Anna’s heart picks up speed while she reads a racy text from her latest lover.
Her Oscar-worthy performances always seem to keep this young professional stimulated and occupied. Anna absolutely loves the drama of it all. When life gets too predictable, she knows how to inject the perfect amount of excitement into her everyday circumstances. According to her, anyone who submits to the confines of ‘being good’ and ‘doing right’ are just plain foolish.
Many underestimate the power of Miss Anna. But, no one is better at being a lady when that’s what her audience requires. Fortunately for her, there’s also never a shortage of opportunities for Anna’s darker side to show. She’s completely addicted to the ‘high’ of getting away with her affairs; true love was an old fairytale that Anna tainted for herself a long time ago.
“My buddy Marc doesn’t have a clue on how to close a deal. I could have the Corptech execs eating out of my hand in five minutes. Well, all is fair in love and war, right?”
Gary hesitates before making the phone call that would end his lifelong friendship while spurring the beginning of his career at the same time.
But Gary’s charming smile and witty ways never failed bailing him out of any snafu. He was confidant Marc could be bought with a nice steak dinner and an empty promise for a future business lead.
To him, success was reserved for those hungry enough to do what needed to be done and Marc didn’t really have a chance anyway.
“If no one knows, I’m not really hurting anyone.”
Beads of sweat prickle on Leon’s forehead. He types the password that will give him full access to his favorite child pornography website.
In the confines of his home, Leon felt safe. Besides, he’s the head deacon at First Baptist Church—he has been for over forty years! No one would dare question a man in his position about his integrity.
When his wife caught a glimpse of his history she swallowed Leon’s slick lie—hook, line and sinker. Over time, Leon started to believe it, too.
The time is 2 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon. All three of these people live on the same block. What if today was the day that Jesus returns?
Mark 13:32-37 begs Believers to avoid sin like the plague that it is. This isn’t just so we can receive a reward when we reach the other side; but this is also so we can live under the blessings that God promised to all those who do. These blessings God spoke of were for us to enjoy in this life.
It’s a sad thing that human nature has such a tendency for corruption. But, God has so kindly provided clear instruction for our weak and fleshly tendencies. In Proverbs 1:7 it says: “The fear of the Lord is the begging of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I call myself a Christian. I have for years. But, the bottom line is it doesn’t matter what church I attend or what my parents have called themselves.
I have my own free will. For a long time, I have bowed to the god of myself. I have said you were my God, but I have served every desire of my own heart, without even asking what you wanted for me.
This kept me occupied for a while. But, lust has a way of leaving a gaping whole in your heart. It never satisfies.
I realize that I will never be complete unless I make my commitment to you complete.
Jesus didn’t die so I could continue to be a slave to my favorite sins. Although He loves and forgives the sinner, the sinner must be sorry for true freedom to happen.
Lord, I haven’t been sorry for my sins. I have made some pretty slick and convincing excuses for them.
But, you see my heart. I can’t fool you.
I repent! Lord, save me from myself! I want to do things your way—all the way this time.
Show me the lies I have told myself. Show me how you feel about this. Lead me into a better path. One that is honest with you and myself.
In Jesus’ precious name, I can’t do this without you. Amen.”
Thank you for reading our weekly Christian devotional on verses:
Mark 13: 32-37, Proverbs 1:7
Please check back and see what we have for you next week!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan