Stay Awake: November 5 – Mark 13

Today’s Tasting: Mark 13

Jesus declared the Temple’s destruction to come, which was fulfilled in 70 A.D. Then, He and some disciples sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the Temple. Jesus spoke about the signs of the end of the age when all things would be accomplished.

Jesus said “Be on guard” (Mark 13:9, 23 ESV).

Then, their conversation turned to the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mark 13:31 ESV).

And concerning the day when Jesus returns, “No one knows…only the Father (verse 32).

And again He warned,

“Be on guard, keep awake! Stay awake…Stay awake” (Mark 13: 33, 35, 37 ESV).

Today’s Nourishment: What does this really mean to “stay awake?” And, why “Stay Awake?”

Since the time change this past week, I have had a difficult time staying awake during the day because I am waking between 3:00 and 4:00 A.M. every morning. The scripture above isn’t talking about a physical staying awake though—it is speaking about a spiritual staying awake.

How do we stay spiritually awake and for what reason? Some commentaries allude to the phrase “stay awake” is to arouse the mind and remain in the awakened state; to watch and pray.

So, I would ask, how will you “Stay Awake” and pray, which is communication with our Heavenly Father. Praying seems the likely reason to “Stay Awake.”

I would like to share some excerpts from the introduction of a prayer journal that I am writing called, Praying with SIGHT: Setting Intentional God Honoring Time.

A healthy spiritual life consists of communication with the Lord, which the Bible calls prayer. We are encouraged in scripture to talk with our Heavenly Father and to hear His voice. As we hear His voice, we may live His life in and through us for others to see what our Heavenly Father is like. Just as Jesus said, “Come to me and take my view of our Heavenly Father (Matthew 11:28-30). He also said, “When you see me, you’ve seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Today, we have the same opportunity and privilege to get a view of our Heavenly Father as we come to Jesus and keep company with Him. While living the Christ-life, we may show others our God and glorify His name by the way we live. In order to know who He is, our relationship and communication with our Heavenly Father is critical. Prayer opens the way to hear His voice, communicate with the Lord, and take on Christ-likeness.

One communication tool that I use is my prayer journal of almost forty years. I have revised the contents repeatedly over the years. This Prayer Journal has transformed my prayer life into a tried and true way of communicating with my Heavenly Father and learning how to pray and live scripture promised me by my Heavenly Father.

Now, I would like to share a portion of my personal prayer journal with you. Praying with SIGHT, designed for your personal use, holds space throughout the book that allows you to fill in your prayers, people’s names, and words that you will hear as you communicate with your Heavenly Father.

So, set some time to still yourself and honor God, Honor Family and Surrender Yourself, and Honor Others as you hear the Lord speak to you. Use this journal as a means of dialogue between you and your Heavenly Father for Praying with SIGHT: Setting Intentional God Honoring Time:

• Honor God
• Honor Family/Surrender Self
• Honor Others

“For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man” (2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV).

I would encourage you to “Stay Awake” and not sleep spiritually. The Lord desires to share His intimate details about life with you and provide strength for you to accomplish the things He intends.

Share with us how you plan to “Stay Awake” and talk with your Heavenly Father: http://thebiblefeastblog.com

Tomorrow’s Delight: Matthew 24

 

Carolyn Marlowe, CCLC

Gigi to six adorable grandchildren

www.alivebyhisword.com

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