Scripture: Mark 13:24-37

I perceived that 2019 is a year that is not going to be easy for the sinners and those that hate God. I perceived that it is a year that Christians need to watch and pray fervently.
To watch and pray means to be awake and be on guard; it means we need to be alert; Watching and praying means we need to regularly commune with God without ceasing so that we can see when our enemy – the devil – is approaching.

The enemy loves to entice the children of God with sin. As you may know, sin is anything that goes against the will of God and His commandments. We fall into sin when we transgress or disobey God’s laws. God’s laws are not burdensome (Matthew 11:30), they are meant to bring us into perfection and lead us on the path of righteousness (Psalm 19:7-8).
The scripture warns that “sin is at the door, desiring to entrap us” (Genesis 4:7) if we would not watch. So, how do we escape? To escape, we need to have a constant connection with God.

SOME REASONS WHY WE NEED TO WATCH

Deception is everywhere (Mark 13:5)

The first thing a true child of God need to understand is that there is deception everywhere in the world. When I say everywhere, I mean every country, every society, every organisation, at work, in schools, in churches, among friends and families. This is why Jesus warns us in Mark 13:5 “Take heed lest any man deceive you”. The deceiver is the devil, he has his agents everywhere, doing his will and trying to entice you with all kind of things that are contrary to the will of God. Watch and pray, beloved of God, so that you can recognise deception even if it is packaged in a box of gold, silver or diamond.

Watch so that you will not fall into temptation and sin

The Lord is warning you to watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41). Temptation is a fallout of deception. Once the enemy is sure that you are deceived and that you are ignorant of the truth, he will come with all forms of temptation so that you can fall (into sin). Remember that no one is above temptation – that you are holy and righteous does not exclude you from temptation. Jesus our Lord was tempted even after fasting for forty days and forty nights (Matthew 4:1-6). The only way to overcome temptation is to be able to recognise it when it comes and avoid falling into its prey. Regular communion with God in the place of prayer will help you to achieve this. Bible study will open your eyes to see temptation when it is hovering around.

Watch to avoid any loss

Another reason why God wants you to watch and pray is to avoid losing your precious possessions to the thieves and robbers of the kingdom of darkness. Your enemy, the devil, is a thieve (John 10:10); he has come to steal, to kill and to destroy. Jesus is saying that you should watch so that the enemy will not steal your salvation, your glory, your anointing, your children, the flocks that God gave you. If you are a Shephard, please watch so that the enemy will not steal what belongs to your master (Jesus) from you.

Watch and pray so that you can be a good ambassador of Christ

As a Christian, it is your responsibility to maintains Christianity’s stability and reputation by complying with doctrinal requirements (2Corinth. 5:20). Remember that we (Christians) are the letters that the unbeliever reads – whenever you misbehave, they quickly point it out to others and the hearts of God is bleak is such a situation. When anger, backbiting, and rage come knocking, please watch! The scripture says in 1Peter 2:12

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Watch and pray my brethren so that by your good deeds those around you can glorify God.

Watch and pray so that you can make it to heaven

Perhaps the most important reason you have to watch is so that your Christian race will not end in vain. The most miserable thing that can befall you is to be carried way with worldly affairs on the day that the Lord appears. This is the real reason why the Lord is asking you to watch and pray – because the end time is here. Our Daddy in the lord, Pastor E.A. Adeboye mentioned last year that the Lord said: “the countdown has already started”. Eight years ago, God showed me a revelation, where I saw fire falling down from the sky and people began to run around looking for a cover that is not available. Beware, the end time is coming very soon!
Mark 13:35, the scripture says

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

In revelation 3:2 -3, the scripture says

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Finally, my brethren, let us be watchful as the scripture says. Let us take time to pray regularly. Let us ask God for his mercy over our society. Let us ask for his help to run a successful Christian race.
Please note, anyone who died in sin cannot reign with Christ. He’s doomed forever. May you not die a sinner in Jesus name (Amen).

God bless you.