WORD OF THE WEEK - VIGILANT - 6-8-25

Definition: VIGILANT - very careful to notice any signs of danger or trouble
Scriptures:
Psalm 119:37“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
1 Peter 5:8-10 - "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”
Matthew 5:16“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Website:  www.wow-newton.com

Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

Definition: VIGILANT - very careful to notice any signs of danger or trouble
Scriptures:
Psalm 119:37: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
1 Peter 5:8-10 - "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”
Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
THOUGHT
As I reflected on the atmosphere of the world during my recent discussion about holding on to God’s unchanging hand, it occurred to me that we have become vulnerable to a bombardment of distractions.
Never before in history has humanity had such constant access to information. From the moment we wake up, we’re scrolling, watching, listening, and sharing—from the devices in our hands, to our computers, to our televisions. We’re flooded with content from every direction.
Whether it's news over morning coffee or billboards on the highway, these distractions pull us away from something essential: remaining vigilant in reading, understanding, and living by the Word of God.
Honestly, when I sit at my computer to work on the Word of the Week, I often get side-tracked.  I find myself distracted by the political headlines, wars overseas, and even whether sun flares are destroying the satellites that are orbiting the earth in space.  
But friends, God is calling us to avoid the distractions and concentrate on the Word of God, the care of our neighbors and the maintenance of our planet.  If we fail to stay focused, the consequences could be devastating.   In truth, we have become a world filled with Martha’s.Who is Martha, you ask?  
In Luke 10:38-42 Jesus is invited to the home of Mary and Martha.  Martha diligently prepares to entertain Jesus, while Mary is more interested in listening to his teachings than helping her sister.  Frustrated, Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to come and help her.
Jesus gently responds by saying “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Today, many of us live like Martha-- vigilant about the dangers that can attack or destroy our
systems rather than being influenced by the presence or truth of God.  It is more important to maintain the man-made power structure, global economies, communication systems and access to natural resources. Humanity operates in fear of losing control of those systems.  That fear encourages global competition, wars and inevitably human-caused chaos with the potential for destruction.
But the Marys’ of the world choose a different path. They have a more intimate relationship with God and are more focused on reflecting the Word of God by putting love in action. Their individual purpose aligns with building communities that foster unity, compassion, peace and joy.  Marys’ function with spiritual wisdom because of their faith in God’s intervention. They understand that dangers faced by humanity are more spiritually caused than physically created. They are vigilant about the dangers of ignoring eternal truth than the danger of human-caused chaos.
So, let me ask you — Are you vigilant about the dangers threatening this world, or are you preparing for the outcome Jesus spoke of in Luke 21:36?
“Be always on the watch and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen.”
Let us not get so caught up in the noise—the distractions, that we miss the still, small voice of truth. Be vigilant—not just for survival, but for salvation.