I am not blogging about a ‘new year’s resolution, but a renewed mindset when it comes to watching; which, by the way, begins with resolving to not stop watching. This act will reveal our intention to persevere in our faith as we help others in theirs. We must be believers who are resolved to stay in the fight till were home.
“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” – Matthew 10:22, 24:13
The context in these passages are post Rapture, but they still apply to all of us living on this side of it.
I know a fellow watcher who has decided to go to Bible school with our denomination and study to become a Children’s Pastor. She is already working with the children’s ministry in her local church and feels compelled to improve her serve, as it were, with focus and intention; all while looking for the Lord’s return. She is a woman who is in love with the Lord and she wants to please the Master by answering His call on her life to ‘suffer the little children and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of heaven.’ This same little lady stayed home from work on 9/25/25 because another high watch date had passed. The disappointment was real for her; as real as her love for the Lord, but she’s not giving up! Instead, she has resolved to improve her serve by pressing forward in her faith and her calling. While I could post a lot of Bible verses supporting this, but I think you get the point.
Too many watchers out there in YouTube-land or the blogosphere have experienced similar let downs and callings. We can’t allow the formulas or predictions of other watchers determine how we are going to live out our faith in Jesus while we wait for Him. We get that we’re close, we get that it’s a little scary out there, and we get that we’re running out of time; but in all of this we still have God’s Word to remind us that we are not to be troubled or shaken as we see all that we are seeing around us. (Matthew 24:6)
One of the things that I do when watching a particular trusted and vetted YouTube podcast, is to read the comments associated with their post. There are so many brothers and sisters in Christ who are hurting and struggling in their walk and faith, but they are pressing on in it anyway. These are those who have chosen to resolve to improve their walk with Jesus as they long to be with Him. I am one of those guys who goes to church every Sunday and sits in the front row. I love to worship the Lord and I love hearing the Word being properly preached. I do this because I love Jesus and I long to be with Him. Until that glorious day, I can do the next best thing; gather with other believers and worship and fellowship with them.
One of the attacks against the Church today is coming from other believers who have either been hurt by a church or pastor, or they are failing in their faith by being detoured by the enemy to stay away from the very place that Jesus told them to be; church.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24,25
This passage carries with it challenges for us to embrace. Things like considering others, stirring up love and good works among the brethren, not forsaking going to church or Bible study like some are doing, but rather, encouraging others in the faith and even more so as we see the Day of the Lord approaching. If ever there were a time that we need to be doing this, it’s right now.
If we are going to improve our walk and faith in Christ, we need to be intentional. Doing our devos and participating in the local church is a part of this, but it’s not everything. These are the most basic things that we are to be doing. Our giving of both time, money, and talents all play into this intentional serve. We need to be as committed to serving the Lord as we are about being with Him in heaven someday soon. The more we love Jesus, the more we will want to serve Him in whatever capacity He has called us into.
If I can encourage you to continue to be faithful to your calling and your spiritual life disciplines. Support your local church and pastor, and be the positive change that we need to see in the local church and ministries within your community, beginning with your family. I know individuals whose spouse will not attend church, but they go anyway and take the kids with them. One person’s negative experience doesn’t have to be yours or your kid’s. It’s an old trick from the enemy, but if we can see his trickery for what it is, we will resolve to do the right thing. However, we must first stop doing the wrong thing. You can do this, ask the Lord to help you. God is faithful. He will guide and direct your path as you continue to place your faith and trust in Him.
Be strong, steadfast, and resolved to do that which is right and honorable in the sight of the Lord.
Maranatha!
Encourage Men 