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991 blepw blepo blep'-o a primary word; TDNT-5:315,706; v AV-see 90, take heed 12, behold 10, beware 4, look on 4, look 3, beware of 3, misc 9; 135 1) to see, discern, of the bodily eye 1a) with the bodily eye: to be possessed of sight, have the power of seeing 1b) perceive by the use of the eyes: to see, look descry 1c) to turn the eyes to anything: to look at, look upon, gaze at 1d) to perceive by the senses, to feel 1e) to discover by use, to know by experience 2) metaph. to see with the mind's eye 2a) to have (the power of) understanding 2b) to discern mentally, observe, perceive, discover, understand 2c) to turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, to weigh carefully, examine 3) in a geographical sense of places, mountains, buildings, etc. turning towards any quarter, as it were, facing it

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Old Testament Bible Verses Related to Alertness

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De 6:12 Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. De 8:11 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: De 15:9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee. Jud 13:4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing: 2Sa 18:12 And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the kings son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom. Job 36:18 Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. Pr 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. Isa 36:18 Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?

New Testament Bible Verses Related to Alertness

Mr 8:15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware <991> of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. Mr 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware <991> of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,

Ac 13:40 Beware <991> therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Php 3:2 Beware <991> of dogs, beware <991> of evil workers, beware <991> of the concision. Col 2:8 Beware <991> lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

5442 fulassw phulasso foo-las'so probably from 5443 through the idea of isolation; TDNT-9:236,1280; v AV-keep 23, observe 2, beware 2, keep (one's) self 1, save 1, be ... ware 1; 30

Mt 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept <5442> from my youth up: what lack I yet? 1) to guard Mr 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed 1a) to watch, keep watch <5442> from my youth. 1b) to guard or watch, have an Lu 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping eye upon: lest he escape 1c) to guard a person (or thing) <5442> watch over their flock by night. that he may remain safe Lu 8:29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For 1c1) lest he suffer violence, oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept <5442> bound with chains and in fetters; be despoiled, etc. to and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) protect 1c2) to protect one from a Lu 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth <5442> his palace, his goods are in person or thing peace: 1c3) to keep from being Lu 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep snatched away, <5442> it. preserve safe and unimpaired Lu 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware <5442> of covetousness: for a 1c4) to guard from being lost mans life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. or perishing Lu 18:21 And he said, All these have I kept <5442> from my youth up. 1c5) to guard one's self from Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall a thing 1d) to guard i.e. care for, take keep <5442> it unto life eternal. care not to violate Joh 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou 1d1) to observe gavest me I have kept <5442>, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that 2) to observe for one's self something the scripture might be fulfilled. to escape 2a) to avoid, shun flee from Ac 7:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have <5442> not 2b) to guard for one's self (i.e. for kept <5442> it. one's safety's sake) so as not Ac 12:4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to to violate, i.e. to keep, four quaternions of soldiers to keep <5442> him; intending after Easter to bring him observe (the precepts of the Mosaic law) forth to the people. Ac 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep <5442>, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. Ac 21:24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest <5442> the law. Ac 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep <5442> themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Ac 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept <5442> the raiment of them that slew him. Ac 23:35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept <5442> in Herods judgment hall. Ac 28:16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept <5442> him. Ro 2:26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep <5442> the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? Ga 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep <5442> the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 2Th 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep <5442> you from evil. 1Ti 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe <5442> these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 1Ti 6:20 O Timothy, keep <5442> that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep <5442> that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2Ti 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep <5442> by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 2Ti 4:15 Of whom be <5442> thou ware <5442> also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

2Pe 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved <5442> Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 2Pe 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware <5442> lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 1Jo 5:21 Little children, keep <5442> yourselves from idols. Amen. Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep <5442> you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, Mt 6:1 Take heed <4337> 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. Mt 7:15 Beware <4337> of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Mt 10:17 But beware <4337> of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; Mt 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware <4337> of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. Mt 16:11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware <4337> of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Mt 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware <4337> of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. Lu 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware <4337> ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Lu 17:3 Take heed <4337> to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. Lu 20:46 Beware <4337> of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Lu 21:34 And take heed <4337> to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be 4337 prosecw prosecho pros-ekh'-o overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day from 4314 and 2192; ; v come upon you unawares. Ac 5:35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed <4337> to yourselves what AV-beware 7, give heed to 5, take ye intend to do as touching these men. heed to 3, give heed unto 1, take heed 1, take heed unto 1, take Ac 8:6 And the people with one accord gave heed <4337> unto those things which heed whereunto + 3739 1, misc Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 5; 24 Ac 8:10 To whom they all gave heed <4337>, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 1) to bring to, bring near 1a) to bring a ship to land, and Ac 8:11 And to him they had regard <4337>, because that of long time he had simply to touch at, put in bewitched them with sorceries. 2) to turn the mind to, attend to be Ac 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of attentive Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she 2a) to a person or a thing: of caring for, providing for attended <4337> unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 3) to attend to one's self, i.e. to give Ac 20:28 Take heed <4337> therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the heed to one's self which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he 3a) give attention to, take heed hath purchased with his own blood. 4) to apply one's self to, attach one's self to, hold or cleave to a person or 1Ti 1:4 Neither give heed <4337> to fables and endless genealogies, which minister a thing questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 4a) to be given or addicted to 1Ti 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given <4337> 4b) to devote thought and effort to to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed <4337> to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1Ti 4:13 Till I come, give attendance <4337> to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Tit 1:14 Not giving heed <4337> to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Heb 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed <4337> to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Heb 7:13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance <4337> at the altar. 2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed <4337>, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Related Hymns and Choruses

Rise Up, O Men of God Be Careful Little Eyes What You See Yield Not to Temptation Work for the Night Is Coming Count Your Blessings Dare to Be a Daniel I Am Resolved Will Jesus Find Us Watching? Open My Eyes That I May See

Quotes
Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
Aesop

Etymology
a-lert-ness n 1: the state of being watchful and prompt to meet danger or an emergency 2: being quick to perceive and act 3: being in a state of readiness. In sixteenth-century Italy, the military call, "Alla erta!" meant "To the lookout!" The French adapted this command as l` airte, which later became its own word: allerte. It is from this form that the English word alert is derived.

Beware of endeavoring to become a great man in a hurry. One such attempt in ten thousand may succeed. These are fearful odds.
Benjamin Disraeli

Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.

Benjamin Franklin

Beware the hobby that eats.

Benjamin Franklin

Bible Stories
Joseph, alert to immorality in Genesis 39 Philips alertness to evangelism in Acts 6 David: an example of failure to be alert (2 Samuel 11) Mordecais alertness saved the kings life (Esther 2) Pauls nephews alertness saved Pauls life (Acts 23)

Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us.
Charles Spurgeon

Character Definitions

I have never found it, when I have thought the battle was over and the conquest gained, and so let down my watch, the enemy had risen up and done me the greatest injury.

David Brainerd Exercising my physical and spiritual senses to recognize the dangers that could diminish the resources entrusted to me The Power for True Success. Being aware of what is taking place around me so that I can have the right response Achieving True Success.

The I Wills of Alertness

Keep my eyes and ears open Recognize and heed warning signals Choose to do right before I'm tempted Tell others of danger Stay away from unsafe places

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Alertness in the home includes:

Looking for and praising ways that family members have displayed good character Sensing that seemingly harmless activities could lead to bad influences and wrong friends Being aware that participation in certain activities and wearing certain clothing could attract the wrong friends and weaken the trust of authorities Practicing preventative maintenance with household appliances and personal health

The Ring-necked Pheasant

The pheasant has been called the most sly fowl a hunter and his dog ever faced. It will sit silent and unseen in the tall grass, intently listening. When it feels threatened, the pheasant can run well, staying low and weaving right and left to evade pursuers. If this escape plan does not work, the pheasant will "explode" straight into the air, often startling its pursuer enough to win precious getaway time. Because of its evasiveness, the pheasant became a favorite game bird of the ancient Greeks and Romans. As the Roman Empire spread, pheasants were transplanted into new locations, readily adapting to almost every new territory, climate, and sportsman they encountered. In the late nineteenth century, turkeys, ruffed grouse, and other North American game birds were nearing extinction. When a small number of pheasants were introduced in Oregon, their adaptability and reproductive efficiency allowed them to quickly multiply. Thus, the pheasant took some of the hunting pressure off their native feathered friends and gave hunters a new challenge. "Ring-necked Pheasant" is a collective name for a number of subspecies and their crossbreeds. The Pheasant Radar System During World War I, several species of birds were enlisted to assist the war effort, including homing pigeons and the parrots at the Eiffel Tower. Not as well-knownbut equally as usefulpheasants served with particular distinction by giving early warning. Not only were pheasants alert with their sharp ears, but they could also detect the slightest vibrations through the ground, such as the footfall of distant armies or the pounding of artillery. On January 24, 1915, a flock of pheasants reportedly "shrieked themselves hoarse," raising alarm over the naval battle at Dogger Bank, 216 miles away. Pheasants Guard Their Alertness The pheasant's ear holes are covered with small feathers called auriculars. These auricular feathers cover the bird's ears without obstructing the bird's hearing. Most bird feathers have hundreds of tiny barbules on each barb. These barbules hook together much like Velcro, bonding the separate barbs of a feather into a surface that is flexible and virtually impervious to water and air. The auriculars that cover the pheasant's ear holes, however, do not have these barbules. Thus, they protect the ears from injury, but they do not obstruct sound waves from traveling to the ears. If the auricular feathers ever do muffle a pheasant's hearing, the pheasant can raise the feathers over its ears to allow maximum alertness for the slightest sounds. www.characterfirst.com

The following list is designed to pray one request per day, thus enabling you to pray through it each month. Pray 1. That he would totally submit himself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 2. That he would love the Lord with all of his heart, soul, and strength. 3. That he would be a man of wisdom, viewing himself, me as his wife, our children, others, and circumstances the way God does. 4. That he would grow in brokenness of spirit and humility, longing for God to reveal areas of needed growth. 5. That his heart would hunger and thirst for a closer, intimate relationship with God. 6. That he would understand that though he is a husband and father, he is a man under authority, respecting his authorities, as he desires his family to honor him. 7. That he would give first priority to spending time with the Lord every day in Bible reading, mediation, and prayer, and that it would be a source of encouragement and strength to him. 8. That he would realize his position of victory and power in Jesus Christ, casting down imaginations, and bringing every thought into captivity. 9. That he would experience God's perfect sacrificial love for him and because of that knowledge, love and cherish me, his wife, so that our marriage would clearly typify Christs love for the Church. 10. That he would be committed to and experience moral freedom, making a covenant to not look upon strange women to lust after them, and setting nothing immoral before his eyes. 11. That he would fully accept the way God has made him and me, understanding our differences as male and female, and enabling us to reach out to each other unselfishly. 12. That he would continue to grow in the skill of intimate, honest communication, reaching out to me in sensitive understanding, allowing a greater oneness of spirit between us. 13. That he would be committed to making his marriage a priority, delighting in me as a woman, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. 14. That he would be filled with wisdom to be the loving, wise, sensitive spiritual leader of our home.

15. That he would (continue to) make it a priority to lead our family in a regular devotional time. 16. That he would be a wise protector, shielding his family from the onslaughts of Satan and the world. 17. That he would value and understand each of our children's needs and strengths, being and doing all he can for their spiritual and emotional growth. 18. That he would know how to express his love and acceptance to each of our children, alert for opportunities to praise and affirm them, and be enabled to meaningfully communicate with them. 19. That he would make it a priority to spend quantity and quality time with our children. 20. That he would be a loving, consistent disciplinarian of our children, not provoking them to anger. 21. That he would grow in meekness, not given to anger, but when failing be given the grace to humbly ask to be forgiven. 22. That he would trust the Lord for the spacing and number of children in our family. 23. That he would make wise financial decisions, being committed to tithing our income, and remembering that God is the ultimate Provider for our family. 24. That God would protect and guard him from spiritual, emotional, and physical danger. 25. That he would be blessed with good health and strength. 26. That he would have a life purpose bigger than his occupation, keeping the vision of service and missions before his eyes. 27. That he would use his job to encourage and share his faith in a dynamic way with others. 28. That he would not compare himself with others, being concerned of God's evaluation of him. 29. That he would view the irritations of family life, occupation, and all of life's trials as God's best tools to build and refine his character, and be given the grace to delight in the Lord when the stresses of life increases. 30. That he would experience purpose in life and enjoy God's smile of approval as he lays down his life for his family and others.

 That they will love their siblings and not allow rivalry to hinder lifelong positive relationships. (Matt. 5:22) That we as parents may so live before them as to entice them to the banqueting table, not drive them away. (Matt. 5:16) Pray for relationships with friends: Pray for their relationship with God: That they may know "how wide and long and high and deep this love of Christ is, and know this love surpasses knowledge." (Eph.3:18,19) That at an early age they may accept Christ as their Saviour. (ll Tim. 3:15) That they will allow God to work in their lives to accomplish His purpose for them. (Philippians 2:13) That they will earnestly seek God and love to go to church. (Psa. 63:1 & 122:1) That they will be caught when guilty. (Psa. 119:71) Pray for Godly attributes: That they will be protected from attitudes of inferiority or superiority. (Gen.1:27. Phil. 2:3) That they will respect authority. (l Sam. 15:23) That they will hate sin. (Psa. 97:10) That they will deal with anger. (Eph. 4:26) That they will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. (Gal. 5:22,23) Pray for family relationships: That they will obey their parents in the Lord. (Pro. 1:8,9 , Col. 3:20) That they will accept discipline and profit from it. (Pro. 3:11,12 & 23:13) That they will choose Godly friends, who will build them up in the Lord (Pro. 27:9, Eccl. 4:10), and be kept from harmful friendships that will lead them astray. (Pro. 1:10) That they will be firm in their convictions to withstand peer pressure. (Eph. 4:14) That they will be a friend to the lonely, the discouraged, the lost. (Matt. 25:40, Phil. 2:4) Pray for protection: From the evil one. (John 17:15) From drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, ungodly music, pornography. (Pro. 20:1 & 23:31,32) From wrong friends and influences (Pro. 1:10-19) From pre-marital sex. (l Cor. 6:18-20) From physical danger accidents and illness. (Phil. 4:6) Pray for their future: That they will be wise in their choice of a mate pray now for the one who will marry your son or daughter, that they will be raised in a Christian home, remain pure, and that they will bring one another great joy. (Pro. 19:14) That they will be wise in their choice of a career. (Pro. 3:6) That they will be wise in the use of their God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. (Matt. 25:21)

 By reversing God-given roles. Ephesians 5:22-24; Genesis 3:16 By not listening to the childs opinion or the childs side of the story. Proverbs 18:13,17 By comparing them to others. 2 Corinthians 10:12 By not having time to talk with them. Ephesians 5:18 By not praising the child. 2 Corinthians 2:6-8; Revelation 2,3 By failing to keep promises. Matthew 5:37; Colossians 3:9; Psalm 15:4 By scolding him/her in front of others. Matthew 18:15; John 21:15-17 By giving too much freedom. Proverbs 29:15; Galatians 4:1-2 By being too strict. James 3:17 By making fun of the child. Job 17:1-2 By abusing them physically. 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7; Numbers 22 By calling them names. Ephesians 4:29 By having unrealistic expectations. 1 Corinthians 13:11

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) Be ALERT to the following ways parents can provoke their children to anger By modeling anger. Proverbs 22:24-25 By not having marital harmony. Genesis 2:24 (Repeated four times in the Bible); Hebrews 12:15 By consistently disciplining in anger. Psalm 6:1; 38:1 By being inconsistent with discipline. Ecclesiastes 8:11 By having double standards. Matthew 23:1-4; Philippians 4:9 By not admitting when wrong. Matthew 5:23-26; Job 32:2; James 5:16 By constantly finding fault. Job 32:2-3

Be Alert to Signs of Anger

Be ye angry, and sin not (Eph 4:26) Many people have used Ephesians 4:26 to justify their anger; however, our anger is never justified. James 1:20 says, For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Our anger is always carnal and it will never accomplish anything good. The following Scriptures reveal Gods perspective on anger: Psalm 37:8 says, cease from anger and forsake wrath. Proverbs 19:19 says, a man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. Proverbs 27: 4 says, wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous. Ecclesiastes 7:9 says, anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Galatians 5: 19-20 says, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, etc. Ephesians 4: 31 says, let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger... be put away from you. Colossians 3: 8 says, but now ye put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication .... Titus 1:7 gives one of the qualifications for a church leader: not soon angry. That means not prone to anger. James 1:20 says, for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. The initial emotion of anger and its accompanying physiological signs are not wrong. They are red flags that God uses to alert us that we are about to do or say something that will have devastating consequences. Some physical signs of anger include: clenching your jaws or grinding your teeth stomach ache increased and rapid heart rate sweating, especially your palms feeling hot in the neck/face shaking or trembling dizziness Emotionally you may feel: like you want to get away from the situation irritated sad or depressed guilty resentful anxious like striking out verbally or physically

Warnings to Christians
While recognizing the eternal security of every believer who has put his faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ for salvation, Scripture gives many warnings to Christians. These warnings have nothing to do with losing our salvation, (because our salvation is based entirely upon our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ); rather, they are concerned with the believers gain or loss. It is commonly believed that the Lord will welcome every believer into Heaven with a Well done, good and faithful servant regardless of how they have lived their Christian lives. The following verses, listed without comment, are stark warnings to believers that how we live our lives here and now, will have eternal ramifications. Mt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Mt 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Mt 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Joh 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

1Co 3:15 If any mans work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 1Jo 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Re 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

David: An Example of Failure to be Alert

King David was a great man. His stories found in First and Second Samuel are inspiring and teach us a lot about the character of God. However, Davids fall from success came from one decisive moment in which he chose not to be alert. When the Israelite army was in battle against the Ammonites, David chose to stay home. One night he walked around the roof of his palace and saw a woman bathing on a house nearby. He was not alert to the dangers of the lust that tempted his soul. Instead of fleeing from the temptation (as Joseph did in Genesis 39), David pursued the temptation and brought the woman to him. His inability to be alert to temptation brought severe consequences. First, she became pregnant. Secondly, David tried to cover up his sin and committed more sins by murdering the womans husband. Thirdly, God brought judgment on David and the child died. After that, Davids kingdom slowly spiraled out of control rapes, murders, and treason characterizing his kingdom. He experienced all this pain because of one moment of Davids inability to be alert to the sexual temptation in his life. (II Samuel 11) Michael C. Lyons Editor of Faith Outreach, Character Council, Cincinnati, Ohio

Joseph: Alert to Immorality

Genesis 39 provides an example of a man exemplifying alertness. Joseph, son of Jacob, found his life at a crossroads where alertness saved him from falling prey to sexual immorality. He lived in the house of an Egyptian official, Potiphar. Because of Josephs intellect and charm, Potiphar placed him in charge of the entire household. In the midst of rising success and favor from his master, Joseph did not forget to be alert. He was on his guard against things that could destroy him. After working for Potiphar, Potiphars wife took notice of Joseph. Daily, she tried to lure Joseph [into immorality]. However, Joseph steadfastly refusedhe was alert to the temptation. The climax came when they were alone in the house one day and Potiphars wife grabbed Josephs cloak. However, because Joseph was a man of character, he was alert to the fact this was sexual immorality and could destroy himso he fled. In the face of temptation, Joseph chose to respond by fleeing the temptation. He only could do this because he was aware of his surroundings and knew his only chance to escape the temptation was fleeing. Joseph practiced alertness. Michael C. Lyons Editor of Faith Outreach, Character Council, Cincinnati, Ohio

Philips Alertness to Evangelism

Philip was a man known to be alert to the Holy Spirit and wise in his actions. As a result, the apostles chose him in Acts 6, along with six others to care for peopleallowing the apostles to devote themselves to Gods word and prayer. But after Stephen was killed for his faith, Philip, along with others, headed in different regions to proclaim the Gospel. It was during this time that the Scriptures give an example of Philip being alert to an opportunity for evangelism. In Acts 8, he was traveling along the road from Jerusalem to Gaza, as directed by an angel. During his travel, Philip saw a chariot and because of his alertness to the Spirit of God, he went up beside it. Drawing near, Philip heard an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah 53. Sensitive to the key moment, Philip asked the leading question, Do you understand what you are reading? (8.30). This opened an opportunity for Philip to join the man in the chariot and teach him about the Gospel. The Ethiopian official trusted in Jesus Christ that day and then Philip baptized him. Philips alertness to the opportunity to share Jesus Christ brought eternal hope to an Ethiopian man. Michael C. Lyons Editor of Faith Outreach, Character Council, Cincinnati, OH

Spiritual Alertness
Being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responses I. INTRODUCTION An undisciplined, sluggish soldier with dull senses in battle will soon be sent homein a body bag. Combat requires an awareness of what is taking place around you. A good soldier is an alert soldier. In 2 Timothy 2:3, Paul exhorts his disciple, Timothy, to discipline himself like a good soldier. In fact, the Bible often portrays the Christian life with wartime imagery. Why? Because a spiritual war is being waged for the hearts and souls of men. As God uses his people to draw others to Himself, Satan wars against Him in an attempt to stop the progress of the gospel. Christians, as Gods soldiers in this war, are commissioned to spread the message of salvation that comes by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ (c.f. Ephesians 2:8-9). Spiritual alertness is key to this endeavor. If we are going to be good soldiers for the cause of Christ, we must maintain keen awareness of what is taking place around us in the spiritual realm, so that we can have the right responses. II. BE ALERT TO THE ENEMY (1 Peter 5:8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Discussion / Thought Questions: What implications does this verse have for the Christian life? Have you ever felt attacked by the devil? When? How? Satan hates effective Christians who point others to Jesus Christ by reflecting his character and sharing their faith. He seethes in anger when God is glorified through the spread of the gospel. The devil would rather keep

people in the dark regarding what Jesus did for them through his death on the cross. The only way to do this is to make Gods soldiers impotent in their mission. So when people put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and receive the free gift of eternal life, the devil is reminded of his ultimate defeat and goes on the prowl. Satan loves nothing more than rendering a Christian ineffective through sin, discouragement, or complacency. We have an enemy that wants to destroy our lives and derail our mission to spread the gospel ... be alert! III. BE ALERT IN THE BATTLE (Ephesians 6:10-20) The apostle Paul also exhorts believers to be alert: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:18b) With what in mind? In the preceding context, Paul states: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:10-12) Discussion / Thought Question: How can we, as Gods soldiers, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power? Communication is key in any battle. If the enemy can knock out our means of communication with headquarters, the battle will soon be lost. Christian soldiers are given two means of communication that will keep them alert in battle: The Bible (God speaking to us) and prayer (us speaking to God). A. With Gods Word In Ephesians 6, we are exhorted to put on the armor of God. A necessary component to this armor is the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, the Bible. When Satan tempted Jesus three times in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), how did Jesus fend off the attacks? You guessed it! Each time, he quoted Scripture. Knowledge of Gods Word is essential to our spiritual alertness. B. With Prayer In Let the Nations Be Glad, John Piper provides an excellent description of prayer. He states that prayer is primarily a wartime walkie-talkie for advancing the gospel in the world (see Pauls instructions in Ephesians 6:19-20). Prayer malfunctions when we attempt to turn it solely into a domestic intercom to call upstairs for more comforts in the living room! A spiritually alert Christian will be using prayer like a wartime walkie-talkie, praying God would use him or her in the great adventure of bringing others to Himself. IV. CONCLUSION Review silently or in a small group, applications of the following I will statements: I will be alert to the fact that I am in a spiritual battle with a spiritual enemy. I will be faithful to my God-given mission to tell others about Jesus Christ. I will memorize Gods Word so that I can fend off Satans attacks. I will consistently support my fellow believers in prayer. I will pray for those in my sphere of influence who dont know Jesus Christ as Savior. Mark Irving Director of Discipleship Ministries at Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH

Alertness- A 4 Minute Sermon with Sermon Outline

I. II. III. IV. Alertness in Christs Return Alertness in Everyday Life Alertness as a Duty Conclusion

I. Alertness in Christs Return When I first looked at this title, I asked myself, what does this have to do with Christian character? The dictionary indicates that this word means awareness, watchfulness, careful attention. In the light of the definition, the topic does reflect clear Scriptural teaching. For example, in Matthew 24, our Lord teaches about his return and urges His followers to be alert. In fact, in verse 42, He says, therefore keep watch. He continues in Matthew 25 and after telling a remarkable story about a sudden return, He again says, Therefore keep watch(v. 13). Paul writes on the same theme and urges his readers to not be surprised by the day of the Lord, saying, let us be alert (I Thess. 5:6). Peter issues the same warning in his letter (II Peter 3:11-13). These verses all relate to the return of our Lord and indicate the need for careful and watchful attitudes. He indeed is coming back and we are to be ready; we prepare ourselves for readiness by being alert. II. Alertness in Everyday Life However, in addition to the pleas for attention to Jesus return, other places advise us on the need for alertness. When Paul writes to the Colossians he states, Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (4:2). Back in the Old Testament, the Psalmist issues this plea: So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (90:12). Ah, now we are getting to some real day-by-day practical application. We are called upon to daily be alert and watchful. We have an adversary and we need to walk carefully. We need to be aware of our enemy, of temptations, snares and trapsbe alert. We are encouraged to carefully prepare, by putting on the whole armor of God, so that we can take our standstand our ground, so we may stand firm, and with this in mind, we are to be alert and keep on praying(c.f. Eph 6:10-18). III. Alertness as a Duty After their long and weary exile in Babylon the people of Israel were set free to return to their own land. Spurred on by Nehemiah, they began to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This aroused the hostility of the pagans around them, who threatened to undo their work. The people of Israel took two essential steps: they prayed to God, and they posted a guard day and night. Even as they prayed for Gods protection and help, they did what they could. They knew that prayer is not a way to avoid responsibility, its not a shortcut to success without effort (Ron Klug, Bible Readings on Prayer, Christianity Today: 30:6) We are challenged again and again: Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord, and work (Haggai 2:4). Watch and Pray!! Be on your guard and trust God!! Our world is dangerous and filled with temptation. We have a duty. I recall reading sometime ago a story about the early days of our country. (The story is attributed, by way of source, to many people, including President Kennedy.) In 1789, in Hartford, Connecticut, the House of Representatives was meeting, under the leadership of Col. Davenport. Suddenly the sky darkened ominously and some of the representatives feared it might be the end of the world, and they called for immediate adjournment. Davenport rose and stated, The Day of Judgement is either approaching or it is not. If not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. Bring in the candles.

IV. Conclusion So alertness leads to duty and service for our Lord. He is returning and we need to be watchfuland stay busy and alert. The last words of Paul to his friends, the Ephesian elders, are significant: So be on your guard (Acts 20:31). Dr. Paul E. Toms Senior Pastor (Retired), Park Street Church, Boston, MA

Alert to Temptation
I. The War We Fight II. Gods Divine Escape Route III. Knowing God: The First Key to Remaining Alert IV. Knowing Yourself: The Second Key to Remaining Alert I. The War We Fight We are in a wara war against our flesh. The struggle to resist sin can be unbearable at times. Paul himself exclaims, For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (Ro 7.15). How can we overcome habitual sin in our life? First and foremost, our power only comes through Jesus Christ. Within that power though, we must learn to be alert. II. Gods Divine Escape Route Alertness is often the first prevention against sin in a believers life. In I Corinthians 10.13, Paul states, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. When temptation comes to lure us into sin, God has promised to provide an escape. However, if we are not alert and ready for proper response, the temptation drags us away into sin. III. Knowing God: The First Key to Remaining Alert So how do we do this? How do we be alert to Gods divine escape route? First, know God. The more we know God intimately, the more sensitive we are to his Spirit and can discern when he is warning us from a certain path. We will never know what to be alert to if we do not know God. His Word must be poured over and pondered, meditated upon incessantly. Psalm 119.11 states, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. And in Psalm 1 the man meditates on Gods law instead of joining with sinners: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. The more we study and meditate on Gods Word, the more we will know Him intimately. This intimate relationship with God helps us to be more sensitive to his Spiritthus recognizing temptation when it arrives. IV. Knowing Yourself: The Second Key to Remaining Alert A correct understanding of Gods Word will lead us to a more intimate relationship with him. While cultivating this relationship, we must also remain alert to ourselves. Think about sin in your own life. What time of the day are they most often occurring? What habits contextualize the specific sin you struggle with each day? Be alert to yourself and your surroundings. Alertness requires that you are aware of situations that could lead to

sin. But being aware is not enoughalertness goes the extra step and quickly responds to the situation by changing directions. Furthermore, knowing yourself requires that you admit and acknowledge your inability to flee sin. Being alert means you are aware of your own inabilityforcing yourself to rely wholly upon the only one who has the power to sustain you in times of great temptation. Ask God to grant you grace that you may be more aware and alert of yourself and give you the initiative you need to change directions when temptation lurks around the corner. Michael C. Lyons Editor of Faith Outreach, Character Council, Cincinnati, Ohio

Missing Something?
A fellow stopped at a rural gas station to fill his tank and buy a soft drink. After pumping gas, he leaned against his car to drink his soda and watch a couple of men working along the roadside. One man would dig a hole two or three feet deep, walk about 25 feet, and begin digging again. The other man came along behind and filled the hole, carefully smoothing it out and leaving a slight ridge around the circumference. "Excuse me," the fellow said. "What are you doing?" "We're working," replied the second man. "But one of you is digging a hole and the other is filling it in. What are you accomplishing?" "You don't understand, mister," said the first man as he leaned on his shovel and wiped his brow. "Normally there's three of us: me, Joe, and Mike here. I dig the hole, Joe sticks in the tree, and Mike puts the dirt back." "Yea," said Mike. "Just because Joe is sick, doesn't mean we can't work, does it?" Alertness recognizes how our work fits into the process and contributes to the overall goal. We waste a lot of quality effort when we become too wrapped up in the details of a particular job and miss the larger picture. www.characterfirst.com

When is a revival needed? When carelessness and unconcern keep the people asleep.
Billy Sunday

Kate Shelley
Born in Ireland, Kate Shelley in 1881 almost overnight became an internationally-known railroad heroine whose story is still being told more than 100 years later. On July 6, 1881, 15-year-old Kate was living with her widowed mother and three younger children in a

farmhouse near the east bank of the Des Moines River in Boone County, Iowa. The North Western Railroad's single-track line, which Kate's late father helped to build, passed in front of the Shelley home and then went over the river to the town of Moingona. Honey Creek, a normally-placid stream, flowed past the Shelley home, then passed beneath a railroad trestle before entering the river. Late that afternoon, a storm generally described as one of the worst of the century struck Boone County; cloudbursts turned Honey Creek into a raging torrent and washed out timbers supporting the trestle. A locomotive sent out from Moingona to check the condition of the track was able to cross the Des Moines River bridge safely, but disaster struck when it moved out over the Honey Creek span just to the east. The locomotive with its four crew members plunged into the flood waters below; two men drowned, while the remaining two saved themselves by grabbing onto tree branches, but were trapped in the surging water. By now it was about 11 p. m.; the storm continued to rage, but despite continuous lightning and thunder, Kate heard the engine crash. She knew that a passenger train from the west was due to stop at Moingona in about an hour, then head east over the now-ruined trestle. She told her mother she must go to the crash scene, see what had happened to the engine crew, and then go to Moingona and warn that the passenger train must be stopped. With only a hastily-repaired lantern to light her way, Kate took a circuitous route through the hills behind her home to reach the tracks between the ruined trestle and the Des Moines River bridge. She shouted to the surviving crewmen that she would get help, then turned to start across the river span -- 673 feet long. Her lantern had snuffed out, and lightning flashes provided her only illumination as she crawled across on her hands and knees. When she reached the other end she ran more than another half-mile to the Moingona depot and sounded the alarm. Then, in spite of exhaustion that would make her desperately ill for weeks later, she led a rescue party back to the other side of the river and helped rescue the two engine crew survivors. The 15-year-old girl almost immediately became the object of nationwide praise. Hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, poems, songs and other tributes have been written about her. At least four children's books telling the story have been published in the latter part of the 20th Century. The state of Iowa gave her a handsome gold medal, crafted by the famous New York jewelry firm, Tiffany's. Philanthropists sent her to Simpson College. The combined management and labor unions of the railroad industry placed a bronze plaque, affixed to a granite marker, on Kate's grave 75 years after the deed. The Boone County Historical Society maintains a depot museum in the now-tiny village of Moingona, on the exact site where the railroad station stood that stormy night in 1881. Kate died in January, 1912, at the age of 46. Her name deserves a place in this "Plaza of Heroines." As the plaque on her grave in Boone's Sacred Heart Cemetery says: "Hers is a deed bound for legend ... a story to be told until the last order fades and the last rail rusts." www.las.iastate.edu/kiosk/1066.shtml

Carelessness Time Magazine, Monday, Feb. 23, 1942

The Lafayette lay on her side like a dead whale, belly exposed, in the dirty ice mush of her slip in the Hudson River. Snow fell gently on the mammoth, fire-scarred hulk. Thousands of New Yorkers trooped to the waterfront to stare at her. She was a heartbreaking sight. Evidence grew that the catastrophe need never have occurred. While rumors of sabotage still persisted, evidence at hand showed something worse than sabotage: carelessness. The story was pretty clear: Workmen had been stripping the onetime Normandie of her peacetime elegance. She would have been ready for U.S. military service in about two weeks.

Already aboard were 400 U.S. Naval officers, sailors, 300 Coast Guards. Working on her were 1,500 civilians. In the grand salon on the promenade deck, a workman with an acetylene torch cut through the last of four ornamental steel stanchions. So close to him that his back touched them as he worked were piled kapok life preservers, wrapped in tar paper and burlap. Sparks from his torch must have shot into the pile. Smoke puffed up. Flames spurted. Only two buckets of water were at hand. Workmen had to flee. From the deck outside they poked a hose through a window. A feeble stream had no effect. Fire licked along ceilings, cabin walls, panelings. All that afternoon the Lafayette burned. Held back by policemen, Army & Navy patrols, crowds choked the streets, jammed skyscraper windows. Among the watchers was a small, greying man with a heavy accent. With agonized eyes Vladimir Yourkevitch, naval architect, designer of the ship's hull, watched the Lafayette burn. Suspicious policemen refused to let him through the lines. In the pier shed beside the ship, tall, urbane Rear Admiral Adolphus Andrews, Chief of the Third Naval District, watched too. Admiral Andrews was still watching at 2:35 in the morning, when the doomed liner, listing heavily now from the tons of water poured into her from fireboats, turned quietly over on her side. Who Was to Blame? Angry and shocked, the country scowled around for a scapegoat. The blistered decks were scarcely cool when New York's tabloid PM released the story of a gumshoe investigation, made weeks before the fire by Reporter Edmund Scott, a story which PM had suppressed at the time because it was "a blueprint for sabotage." Masquerading as a longshoreman, Scott had got a job with a crew hired to lug furniture ashore. Scott found that almost anyone could get aboard, longshoremen were hired by minor labor bosses who could be greased; Federal authorities made no checkups; there was no real surveillance; no fire drills; no fire stations had been assigned. In short, the Lafayette had been wide open to sabotage. PM said these facts had been reported to Captain Charles H. Zearfoss, the Maritime Commission's anti-sabotage chief, who denied the findings (said PM), merely replied: "Get your reporter out of there before he gets shot." FBI nosed around. District Attorney Frank S. Hogan questioned more than a hundred witnesses. Not until all the evidence was in could the question of sabotage be determined. But the story of carelessness looked worse & worse. The Navy maintained that responsibility for fire precautions was up to the Robins Dry Dock & Repair Co., conversion contractors This week a court of inquiry under Rear Admiral Lamar R. Leahy, retired, sat down to try to fix the blame. Did the Lafayette's elaborate fire-detector system operate? What had happened to her fire-fighting equipment? Was a fire patrol on watch? Why allow men to operate acetylene torches so close to inflammable kapok? And why had the ship been allowed to capsize? The fire had been doused in some six hours. When she showed signs of overturning, she might have been scuttled (to settle securely in the mud, only eight or ten feet below her bottom), or tanks on her starboard side might have been correctly flooded to counteract the weight of the water on her portside. One attempt at flooding was made, but it was unsuccessful. Design and operating experts thought the primary negligence was in not having aboard a trained crew that really knew the ship. Said Designer Yourkevitch sadly: "She was helpless, like a sick man, unable to fight to save herself." Engineers studied salvage plans. Designer Yourkevitch had one. After divers had sealed all openings, one after another of her compartments could be sealed and pumped out until she was buoyant. If water was then pumped into her double bottoms and deep tanks, Yourkevitch believes, the ship would finally right herself. At week's end, as she must for many a coming week, the Lafayette lay, desolate and shameful, in the river's grey ice.

www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,884442,00.html

Due to Carelessness, Survivor Declares Washington Times

Friday 19 April 1912

NEW YORK, April 19---C. H. Stengle, one of the first passengers off the vessel, said that the collision of the Titanic with the iceberg was the result of "criminal carelessness." "The ship was going 22 knots an hour when she struck," he exclaimed.

Stengle said that the impact was so terrific that great blocks of ice were thrown on the deck and a number of people were killed when these blocks slid across the decks. The stern of the boat rose in the air. People ran shrieking from below. Women and children immediately rushed to the lifeboats. As fast as possible they were lowered away to the sea. Sailors took the women and hurled them bodily into the boats, tearing them away from their husbands to whom they were clinging. Stengle did not confirm the report that men were shot down because they tried to push women and children away from the boats. He said he was so far aft that he could not tell. One of the women told him that she heard a seaman threaten to shoot men who tried to get into the boats. She also told him, he said, that she heard two shots fired, but he did not know whether this was so. Stengle said that 1,500 men leaped into the sea when they saw there was no chance for them on board of the boats. "How they died, I do the ocean. I was not operate them and the working at the oars, not know. I caught a lifeboat by the gunwale after I had jumped into dragged on board. There were not enough sailors in the lifeboats to women were compelled to pull oars themselves. Some of these women, could be heard shrieking the names of their husbands."

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