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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Day's End (01/01/14)
Keepers of the Night Vigil.
As day ends we move swiftly towards the night, inexorably drawn by the natural order of creation, the alternating sequence of darkness and light. There is the dusk interregnum but the circadian rhythms of life basically render humans as day-workers or nocturnal; the sun-addicts and the chronically insomniac are we all. In Jesus’ parlance, we have twelve hours of daylight to work, after which comes the night without the light and without the works (John 8:12, 9:4-5, 11:9-10*).
We really need the light to work the works of God because you cannot believe without first having access to the source of the word; the source of the word also being the light of the world. Those found walking outside of this light will stumble in the night. “Yet Jehovah will command his loving-kindness in the day-time; And in the night his song shall be with me, Even a prayer unto the God of my life” - Psalm 42:8, ASV**.
At day’s end was when the virgins went to sleep (both wise and foolish), only to be woken up at midnight by those who cry “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him” - Mathew 25:6, ESV***. But who are these wailers at the midnight hour? These must be them who neither sleep nor slumber, who dwell in that secret place known only to the omniscient one, who eternally abide in the shadow of the bridegroom and in his light. They are not children of the night and would not sleep as do others, not even in the light (1Thessalonians 5:4-8*). No, they are watchers, they keep the vigil, and as watchmen on the wall, they are always looking for that blessed hope.

Bible References
* = KJV or King James Version.
** = ASV or American Standard Version
*** = ESV or English Standard Version
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
01/10/14
As a Level 1 writer, you might not be aware of the free writing lessons available on the FaithWriters forums. This week’s lesson is on writing devotionals, and next week will cover writing on topic for the weekly challenge. Look for it at http://www.faithwriters.com/Boards/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=67, or if you’re on Facebook, you can “like” Faithwriters Writing Lessons. I’d love to have your input into the conversation there!
C D Swanson 
01/10/14
Good job of devoting scripture into your entry, while bringing foward an important message of His word. Nicely done.

God bless~
Jan Ackerson
01/11/14
You have some beautiful phrases in the first half of this--almost poetic in their imagery.

I'll admit that I had a hard time following this, though, and I'm not sure what the take-away is. Perhaps some elaboration on your main idea, with more personal (less abstract) application would be helpful?

Your use of language is superb.
Larry Whittington
01/11/14
It was hard for me to follow the thread and get the full meaning. Sentences seemed maybe even disjointed, at least for my understanding.
Amelia Brown 
01/12/14
Very interesting entry. Wow, a difficult read though... I had my dictionary in hand and even then, I'm not quite sure what the focus of the entire piece is really about. It's written to topic however. Keep writing.
Sheldon Bass 
01/13/14
I think this would do well as a poem, if it was reworked a bit. The sensation and feeling is there. You have a definite talent with words, and I hope to read more of your work in the future. Good job.
Dusty Fontaine
01/14/14
Yes, your writing was hard to follow, but the message was clear. As children of the day, we should not fall asleep spiritually. There are many who will fall asleep -- some are prepared; some are not. Jesus did not punish the disciples for falling asleep while he went to pray; He merely stated, :the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Nice message.

If you were writing for a class of Theological college students or professors, then perhaps the words you chose are appropriate. If it is meant for the masses -- less is more. I enjoyed it though.