17 Dire Reasons to Take Heed

To take heed means to be cautious, to pay attention, to give careful attention, to watch out, to be careful, to take care, to be at alert, to be on guard, to be watchful. It is used to connote warnings. A quick scan through the scriptures shows us quite a number of reasons we are admonished as followers of Christ to take heed:

1. So that you do not forget God: Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons (Deut. 4:9). Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of anything, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee (Deut. 4:23). Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage (Deut. 6:12). Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day (Deut. 8:11). Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage (Deut. 8:14).

2. So that your heart will not be deceived/misled: And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many (Mark 13:5-6). Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them (Deut. 11:16). And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them (Luke 21:8). And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you (Matt. 24:4). Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Matt. 7:15). Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved (Php. 3:2).

3. So as not to be treacherous/unfaithful to your spouse: Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate] (Mal_2:15-16).

4. So that you don’t lose your reward with God: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 6:1). 

5. So as not to despise little children: Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven (Matt. 18:10). 

6. So that you can gain more understanding of the truth: Then He said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. By your own standard of measurement [that is, to the extent that you study spiritual truth and apply godly wisdom] it will be measured to you [and you will be given even greater ability to respond]—and more will be given to you besides. For whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a yearning for truth], even what he has will be taken away from him” (Mark 4:24-25). So be careful how you listen; for whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a longing for truth], even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him” (Luke 8:18). 

7. So that the light in you is not darkness: Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness (Luke 11:35). 

8. So you don’t fall into the sin of covetousness: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15). 

9. So that Christ’s Second Coming will not come on you unexpectedly: And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares (Luke 21:34). 

10. So as to shepherd (tend, feed, guide) the church of God: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28). 

11. So that your work for God is not burned with fire: According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon (1Cor. 3:10). 

12. So that you don’t make other believers stumble/fall into sin: But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak (1 Cor. 8:9). Jesus said to His disciples, “Stumbling blocks [temptations and traps set to lure one to sin] are sure to come, but woe (judgment is coming) to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone [as large as one turned by a donkey] were hung around his neck and he were hurled into the sea, than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble [in sin and lose faith]. Pay attention and always be on guard [looking out for one another]! (Luke 17:1-3).

13. So that you do not fall into sin/fall from the faith: Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1Cor. 10:12). I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me (Ps 39:1). Speaking of this as he does in all of his letters. There are some things in those [epistles of Paul] that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist and misconstrue to their own utter destruction, just as [they distort and misinterpret] the rest of the Scriptures. Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless and wicked [persons and] fall from your own [present] firm condition [your own steadfastness] (2 Pet 3:16-17). Take care, brothers and sisters, that there not be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to trust and rely on the Lord, a heart] that turns away from the living God (Heb. 3:12). See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ (Col. 2:8).

14. So that you do not destroy one another: But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another (Gal. 5:15). 

15. To complete your ministry: And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it (Col. 4:17).

16. To ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you: Pay close attention to/Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee (1Tim. 4:16). 

17. So you don’t fall into the sin of hypocrisy: In the meantime, after so many thousands of the people had gathered that they were stepping on one another, Jesus began speaking first of all to His disciples, “Be continually on your guard against the leaven of the Pharisees [that is, their pervasive, corrupting influence and teaching], which is hypocrisy [producing self-righteousness] (Luke 12:1). And in [the course of] His teaching, He said, Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and [to get] greetings in the marketplaces [public forums], And [have] the front seats in the synagogues and the chief couches (places of honor) at feasts, Who devour widows’ houses and to cover it up make long prayers. They will receive the heavier [sentence of] condemnation (Mark 12:38-40).

10 Things to Pursue For the Rest of Your Life

To pursue a particular aim or result means you make persistent efforts to achieve it, often over a long period of time; to pursue also means to seek or strive to attain (some object, desire, etc); to try to find, get, win; seek after; to chase; to go on; to continue with something. A quick scan through the scriptures shows us 10 clear things that we should pursue passionately on a daily basis for the rest of our lives as followers of Christ:

1. Peace: Continually pursue peace with everyone, and the sanctification without which no one will ever see the Lord (Heb. 12:14). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22). So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth] (Rom. 14:19).

2. Holiness: Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).

3. Things that Edify/Build up/Strengthen/Encourage others: So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth] (Rom. 14:19). 

4. Love: Pursue love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22).

5. That which is good for all: See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all (1 Thess. 5:15).

6. Righteousness: But as for you, O man of God, flee from these things; aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22).

7. Godliness: But as for you, O man of God, flee from all these things (craving to be rich, foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition); aim at and pursue righteousness (right standing with God and true goodness), godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike), faith, love, steadfastness (patience), and gentleness of heart. (1 Tim 6:11)

8. Faith: But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22).

9. Patience/ Steadfastness/ Endurance: But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (1 Tim 6:11)

10. Gentleness/ Meekness: But as for you, man of God, run away from all these things. Instead, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11).

18 Things to Abound in throughout 2018 and Beyond

To abound in something means to have such a thing in large numbers or amounts. It means to be full of, overflow with, teem with, be packed with, be crowded with, be thronged with, be jammed with; be alive with, be overrun with, swarm with, bristle with, be bristling with, be infested with, be thick with something. A quick scan through the scriptures shows us quite a number of things that we should abound in as followers of Christ. Below is a list of things the word of God encourages us to abound in now and always:

1. Hope: May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope (Rom 15:13).

2. Sufferings of Christ: For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ (2 Cor 1:5). 

3. Giving: But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also (2 Cor 8:7).

4. Faith: You are rich in everything—in faith, in speaking ability, in knowledge, in the willingness to help, and in the love you learned from us. So now we want you to be rich in this work of giving too (2 Cor 8:7). Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving (Col 2:7).

5. Utterance/Speech: But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also (2 Cor 8:7).

6. Knowledge: But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also (2 Cor 8:7). For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8). 

7. Diligence/Total commitment/Dedication/Enthusiasm: Indeed, the more your faith, your ability to speak, your knowledge, your dedication, and your love for us increase, the more we want you to participate in this work of God’s kindness (2 Cor 8:7).

8. Love: And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight (Phil 1:9). And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you (1 Thess 3:12). But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more (1Thess 4:9-10). For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Pet 1:8)

9. Grace: And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) abound toward you (2 Cor 9:8a)

10. Good works: so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 cor 9:8b).

11. Fruit/Reward/Profit: Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you] (Phil 4:17). And [God] who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity] (2 Co 9:10).

12. Pleasing God: Brothers and sisters, now I have some other things to tell you. We taught you how to live in a way that will please God. And you are living that way. Now we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live that way more and more (1 Thess. 4:1). 

13. Virtue/Goodness/Moral excellence: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8). 

14. Self-control: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8).

15. Patience/Perseverance/Steadfastness/Endurance: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8).

16. Godliness: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8)

17. Brotherly kindness/ brotherly affection/Christian affection: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8)

18. Work of the Lord: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose] (1 Cor. 15:58) 

May we abound in all these more and more and more till Christ returns or calls us home in Jesus name. Amen