The Bugle

Dear Abba’s soldier,

This year and in the years to come: please be intentional about investing in knowledge. There are many things you do not know, and they cannot be substituted with prayers alone.

Buy books, or even get them in PDF format: choose whatever truly works for you. But be deliberate about investing in knowledge. You may not see the results immediately, but a time will come when you will be called upon to speak on a particular matter. In that moment, the weight of your knowledge and experience will be revealed by the wealth of wisdom that proceeds from your mouth.

Be intentional. Try to finish a book (or more). Stop starting books and leaving them halfway. Complete one, then pick up another.

INVEST IN KNOWLEDGE. READ BOOKS. LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER THIS YEAR.



~Abba'sfinestSoldier

Our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to watch and pray. This is a wise counsel He has given us: as we continue to engage in prayer and other spiritual activities, we should avoid even the appearance of sin and strive to build structures that strengthen our faith.

It’s a call to discipline in service and worship of God, a reminder not to relax or take things lightly especially sin. In our pursuit of Him, we must play our part to ensure everything is in order.

The “watch” here is not solely a spiritual vigil; it refers to the application of discipline, backed by the Holy Spirit, who helps us stay away from sin and from all those sins that so easily beset us.

This is an encouragement: if you trust the Lord for strength in certain areas especially when you’re seeking His help to free your soul from a particular act you should also do your part by staying away from anything that might bring back that experience or lead you into temptation.

So, beloved soldier, watch and pray. The Lord has promised to help, but you have a role: keep watch.

Selah.

Reference scripture: Matt.26.41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (KJV)

Matt.26.41 Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!" (NLT)

Matt.26.41 Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." (MSB)