Veillez

Veillez et priez, afin que vous n'entriez pas en tentation; l'esprit est prompt, mais la chair est faible. Marc 14. 38

Soyez sobres, veillez: votre adversaire, le diable, comme un lion rugissant, rôde autour de vous, cherchant qui il pourra dévorer. 1 Pierre 5. 8

Veille au matin, quand un ciel sans nuage
Semble annoncer un jour calme et serein;
C'est dans ton cœur que peut gronder l'orage
Qui fait tomber le pèlerin.
 

Veille à midi, quand les bruits de la terre
Font oublier le céleste séjour;
Trouve un instant pour être solitaire
Dans la prière et dans l'amour.
 

Veille le soir, quand se fait le silence;
Pense aux bienfaits de ton céleste Ami;
Cherche avec soin sa divine présence,
Verse en son cœur tout ton souci.
 

Veille toujours, en tous lieux, à toute heure,
Car l'ennemi te guette à chaque instant,
Pour se glisser dans la sainte demeure
Où doit régner le Tout-Puissant.

“Bienheureux celui qui veille” (Apocalypse 16. 15). Jésus nous dit: “Ce que je vous dis, à vous, je le dis à tous: Veillez” (Marc 13. 37). “Veillez avec moi” (Matthieu 26. 38).


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Ignore No More

The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:8

Holiness is simply Christ in us fulfilling the will and commands of the Father.

I don’t know how these people find me, but I keep getting more and more flyers in the mail from folks asking me to show up at their events so they can teach me about retirement benefits. It started several years ago when I began getting invitations to join an organization that works on behalf of retirees. These reminders all serve to say: “You’re getting older. Get ready!”

I have ignored them all along, but soon enough I’m going to have to break down and go to one of their meetings. I really should be taking action on their suggestions.

The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. (Psalm 19:8)

Sometimes I hear a similar reminder in the wisdom of Scripture. We know that what the passage says is true about us, but we are just not ready to respond. Maybe it’s a passage like Romans 14:13 that says, “Let us stop passing judgment on one another.” Or the reminder in 2 Corinthians 9:6, which tells us, “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” Or this reminder in Philippians 1: “Stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened” (vv. 27-28).

As we read God’s Word, we get vital reminders. Let’s take these seriously as from the heart of the Father who knows what honors Him and is best for us.

Thank You, Lord, for Your gentle reminders. We know that the things You tell us to do in Your Word are for our good and for Your glory. Help us to step up and do the things that bring honor to Your name.