Enter into ...

Scriptural Readings:

Mark 13:33, Luke 22:40, I Peter 1:16

No matter what we do, we will run into something we will regret. Cyber users often fall victim to clickbait's attention-grabbing headlines and enticing promises, which draw them into engaging online content. While grocery shopping, many women (and some men) spent more money than intended, convinced they had saved marginally. Current voters still fall into the trap of politicians who underperformed or did nothing for their countries during their terms, voting for them again.

There is nothing we can do. Eventually, we will run into something we will surely regret. "I should have known" is a common refrain. If it were even possible to see the results of our decisions and actions, we could, at the very least, mitigate these consequences if it is impossible to eliminate them. But how?

Mark 13:33

King James Version

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

New Living Translation

And since you do not know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

Take Heed

These two words bring diverse emotions as we read our Bible. To further understand what God wants us to know, we have to study these two Greek words translated into English terms because of the various meanings in Greek. βλέπω (blep'-o), (primary verb) is a Greek word that means, in English, to look at (literally or figuratively).

In the New Testament, the phrase "take heed" denotes an action that leads to a specific outcome for us, not just something we observe but also something we must accomplish. What happens is that every time we read this phrase, the Holy Spirit tells us something. It is not just literally or figuratively. Jesus wants us to see it further. When God says something, it is not just those things in front of us. There is more transcending into what we can see. One must diligently engage with the Bible through reading and meditation as a priority, avoiding a casual approach.

Luke 22:40

King James Version

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

New Living Translation

There, He told them, Pray that you will not give in to temptation.

Enter in to

We will experience two opposing forces in our lifetime: the divine and the unseen evil. If we choose the path of goodness, we may encounter challenges and obstacles that test our moral fiber. Conversely, if we succumb to wickedness, we may yearn for the divine presence that bypasses us. So, what's the point?

As we enter another 24 hours, we also deal with temptations. As soon as we are born, a world manifests itself with evil things waiting to devour us. We are always caught up in the stop, look, and listen trap of temptation.

We have now entered the final stage where history will no longer make sense. We must live as the next day will be the rapture, then judgment. The former 24-hour carefree or overrated lifestyle that once we knew had to be, this time, holy and sober for the Lord Jesus Christ for the rest of our lives.

I Peter 1:16

King James Version

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

New Living Translation

For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.

Draw near.

Though it is undeniable that a barrier arises between God and us when we sin, the challenge of reconnecting with Him restricts us. When we are weak, the enemy exploits us, leading us to a situation where it is a burden to reach God. It does not have to be this way.

What is it like to be drawn nearer to God? We Christians have grown accustomed to expecting results without doing the fundamental work. Our faith is dead without works. It is what the Bible says. Don't overlook the most essential part of this text: the results of being close to Him.

Drawing closer to God should not be just a line in our Bibles to read. Reading is entirely different from bringing one closer. Drawing near to God is a divine or holy act by us. It is what the Bible says, "Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy."

And finally

Without a doubt, we are now experiencing the end of times, and the Holy Bible confirms this. The Holy Scriptures provide guidance for dealing with the challenges of our circumstances. Faith should overcome emotions. Chaos will result if it is the other way around. God is in charge of our lives. Take heed. When God says something, it is not just those things in front of us. As we enter the spiritual war zone each day, we find there is more beyond what we can perceive with God on our side as we draw nearer to Him. Read this last paragraph again and again. Let it sink in for you. It starts with the phrase without a doubt, meaning having unshakable faith, and ends with drawing nearer to God to become holy.