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But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:17) Like me, many of you probably have ‘to-do’ lists. They help us keep on track with things that are important for us to complete. Kind David once wrote a to-do list. You might expect it to be a tick list for preparations for battle, or writing new Psalms but, in fact, it was an ‘Integrity List’. In it, he sets out the things that will help him to keep strong moral principles; ways of living that will keep him close to God. David’s ‘Integrity List’ is found in Psalm 101. Here are some of the things he pledges to do: “I will be careful to live a blameless life.” “I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.” “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” “I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them”. “I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.” “I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbours.” “I will not endure conceit and pride.” “I will search for faithful people to be my companions.” “Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.” “I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house.” (Psalm 101:2-7) David was wisely choosing to live his life in accordance with God’s will. You may not have a to-do list written down but, as Christians, there should be certain principles which are written in our hearts; principles that we follow when faced with tough circumstances in everyday life. Billy Graham once said, “Make it your goal to become more like Christ by refusing to let sin have its way, and pursuing instead that which is pure and good in the sight of God.” If an ‘Integrity to-do list’ helps you to accomplished that, then start writing! Pauline Anderson
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"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him." (Matthew 24:42-44) "Son of man, I have made you a watchman" (Ezekiel 33:7) Normally we think of the role of a watchman as being one of prayer. This of course is correct, but we are also called to 'keep watch' as ordered by Jesus shortly before HIs death. Lets take a look at some necessary characteristics of a watchman. 1. A watchman stays awake -It is the duty of the watchman to stay awake and be alert during his watch. There are many nights when there is nothing notable to report. It’s easy to stay awake when there is action but not so easy in the quiet times. A watchman must never become complacent. In spiritual life there are times of action when we see God moving in miraculous ways. However, sometimes you feel that the spiritual journey is routine. You can become weary. You may even become spiritually drowsy. But beware! Falling asleep can lead to danger. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8) 2. A watchman does not heed distractions - No matter how difficult a life the watchman has, he must remain faithful to his job. He must not allow anything to distract him from his duty of watching. The Devil will throw distractions which come in many different shapes and forms . In the wilderness when the Devil tried to distract Jesus from His mission by placing temptations before Him, Jesus replied from the Word of God. As a watchman, you will find God will speak to you through His Word. When facing a distraction or temptation, turn to His word ; it carries the power to get you through. “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3) 3. A watchman shouts when there is danger- No man is an island. We have responsibilities for others as well as ourselves. Even if our warnings are not heeded, we must still be faithful to call out what we see. “The enemy comes disguised, but a spiritual watchman is alert and blows the trumpet and gives a sound so that family members can be quickly warned and not destroyed. Or he may be given spiritual eyes to see something that is happening in the life of the church. The watchman suddenly realises that something has come in and there is turmoil and dissension and conflict. A watchman doesn’t just see and observe or hear. A watchman blows the trumpet. The watchman sounds the note: the enemy is approaching! or the enemy has slipped in!” https://www.harvestprayer.com/the-role-of-a-spiritual-watchman If you have responsibilities over other souls, shout out and warn them when danger lurks! Let’s all be encouraged today to be reliable watchmen. And let us not forget that: ‘God is a watchman to whose eyes sleep never comes. You are always safe.’ (Charles Spurgeon) Pauline Ann Anderson |
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Struthers Memorial Church is a registered Scottish Charity No. SC 006960 | Struthers Memorial Church is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in Scotland Company No SC335480 | Registered Office: 33 West Stewart Street, Greenock, PA15 1SH. |