Some time ago I had a dream about the time period just before Jesus’ return in the rapture. Life was strained and dangerous. I seemed to have the impression in my spirit that these are times to be cautious and careful, and times to really live as if we were going to heaven today. That dream is applicable even more right now.
What comes to mind is Revelation 12:12: Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." And Romans 13:11-14 comes to mind: And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Demonic forces are stepping up their efforts to blind people from the truth of the Word, and are seeking to instill strife and discord in every possible way where allowed. And there is an un-holy spirit that is loose in this age that snubs its nose at God and His standards. Refuse to yield to it!
Here are three things of importance to embrace in this day. First of all, embrace the Word. The Word is designed by the Father to build the nature of Jesus into our spirits. The Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It speaks to us in the immediate need and shows us what to do, how to respond. And the Word gives us guidance as we make long range plans! Ask yourself, what does God’s Word say about this situation I’m in right now? Live your life in the light of what the Word says.
Secondly, walk in love. Refuse to allow strife and discord. Don’t take account of the wrong committed towards you. Refuse to talk about the negative things in other’s lives. Think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, positive, and worthy of praise. Strife and envy are Satan’s playground. Don’t play his games.
Thirdly, walk in holiness. There is a looseness in our age that is seeking to bring compromise into the body of Christ. Our Father is Holy and He wants us to live separated lives for His glory. Samson refused to walk in holiness, and the spirit of his age came upon him. He was not aware that the Spirit of God had departed from him! Don’t compromise your closeness to Jesus with the attitude of this age! It’s time to walk with God!
Amen! Shawn Tracy was talking during life group and the gist of a comment he made was; how much like Jesus can we be like and yet remain in this world (like Enoch..he walked with God and then was not), instead of being so much like the world and still go to heaven. More and more we are finding that as Christians we are trying so hard to have a good time in this world we are temporarily inhabiting and trying to still keep one foot on the line to eternity. I'll drink a little, I'll curse a little, just a little of this and a little of that, I'll talk about my fellow brother/sister in Christ a little, but I love Jesus...so it's all good because we find ways to explain away and justify our behaviors and actions. The thing is we (self included) can allow these little foxes in, become a stumbling block to so many and bring a reproach to the Gospel (there is always someone watching us). There is such a great pull on the flesh right now, it is very intense. There is angst in the air and without the power of the Word working through and in us we don’t and will not stand a chance.
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