Title: Course Corrections/ Topic: Direction in Life

Today’s Reading: Exodus 1; Exodus 2; Psalm 88; Luke 21

Scripture: Luke 21:34-36
34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Observation: Jesus warns all of his followers that they need to be very careful in the end times. He says that the days of trouble that precede his second return to the earth will come upon all people, not just unbelievers. As a believer, I am warned against having my heart consumed by the anxieties of life, by worldly pleasures and excess. Oh, what a word for our day when people have so much leisure time and yet are consumed with making money over everything else. We spend so much time “relaxing” from our labors with TV, gaming, ipods, and other toys and so little time in fellowship with God.

Application: It is my responsibility to take stock of my life and direct the focus of my heart. Jesus says to “be always on the watch, and pray” so that I may escape the worst of what is to happen and may be able to stand before him in the judgment without shame. I must therefore be alert to what is happening in the world and not go blindly through my daily routine and I must discipline myself to pray for myself and for the church so that we may get through the coming hardships. Some of us will be required to give up our lives believing in Jesus. If we don't keep watch and pray, we may be too weak to stand up for him. Woe to us if we do not heed this warning of Jesus!

Prayer: Father, I want to spend more time than I do right now in seeking your face, in prayer, worship and fellowship. I want to be ready when you come. Help me to continue to grow strong spiritually and to lead others in doing the same.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.