Dear LWML Leaders,

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Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come (Mark 13:33).

According to Roget’s Pocket Thesaurus (1961), synonyms for “on guard (guarded)” are watchful, vigilant, and wary. When the words of Mark 13:33 are read, a vision of a sentry on guard duty often comes to mind, but that vision can sometimes be discouraging. Even with the best discipline, no one can be on guard, vigilant, or aware all the time. A recent sermon resonated when this verse was described as “continuously training.” While it is true that no human can be constantly alert for the devil’s attempts at sabotage, leaders can practice continuous training in order to be better prepared to keep the world’s evil at bay.

 What does continuous training look like?

  • Pray without ceasing — individually and corporately — with printed words and with prayers from the heart.
  • Worship in church in order to hear God’s Word taught and to receive His forgiveness through the Sacraments.
  • Study the Bible within a group and with individual devotions. Mustard Seed Devotion: The Race of Faith is a good training tool.
  • Establish a routine of prayer, worship, and Bible study that fits your lifestyle and exercise it regularly.

While it is impossible to literally keep awake at all times, Christian leaders can be vigilant in their faith training, always depending on the Holy Spirit to help them be ready to give an account of their hope in Christ Jesus until they are called home.

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory