Worthy of It All!

Seek the Lord with your whole heart.  The Word of God, through verses like this one, convert the soul from selfish thinking into choosing to give our all to Jesus.  The reason is simple: He is worthy.  Our soulish part, "I think, I feel, I want", that is self-oriented must be challenged to obey the spirit which is clearly calling us to "present our bodies a living sacrifice and be transformed by the renewing of our mind to prove the perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)  

Many Christians in parts of the world like Korea, China, or some of the Muslim countries have paid dearly to believe in Jesus.  Often their testimonies force us to see how trivial our "trials" really are.  However, regardless of the intensity, there is always a price.  Jesus says count the cost.  Clearly when we see Jesus, the words of Paul that all his sufferings were nothing compared to the glory of God will also be evident to us too.  

Likewise, there are some Biblical truths like "Jehovah Jireh," or "all my needs are met according to His riches in glory" which are only one side of the coin.  Observing the context presents a bigger picture and a much greater opportunity to understand how to apply these principles.   Abraham (in Genesis 22) was asked to give his son, whom he had believed 25 years for, as a sacrifice.  It was because of this awesome act of obeying God that the Lord provided the ram as the sacrifice instead and was revealed as Jehovah Jireh.  Likewise, the promise in Philippians 4:19 that our needs would be met according to His riches in glory was to the Philippi church that had given more than once to support Paul's ministry.  

Sometimes we preach Jesus as meeting our needs.  This is accurate but lacks true depth.  The point is that He is worthy, He is King of kings, He is the one from whom are all things, through whom are all things, and to whom are all things.  Once we receive the truth of the glory and worthiness of Jesus and all God has done for us, we see that it is our joy and privilege to lay down all our rights for Him.  He who loses his life for Him will find it.  The greater invitation is to acknowledge Jesus as Lord of all and surrender all we are and have because He is worthy.  We are asked to step out in faith that as we honor Him, He will take care of us.  He will certainly show Himself more than we "could think, ask, or imagine" in meeting our needs. 

God invites us (you) to lose our life for Him.  Jesus is worthy of all you are asked to give.  In that willing surrender His presence and pleasure will refresh you.  Seek first the Kingdom of God and all else will be added.  He is worthy.

Run with Horses

Are Things Going to Get Better or Worse?  
Yes.....Both.

In all four Gospels Jesus warns about the signs of the times and the incredible distress that will come on the earth at the conclusion of the age.  Consider a few descriptions from Jesus in Matthew 24, "nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places."  Then He adds "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake."   Because of such overwhelming statements, many people have such a fear of the end times that they don't even want to think about it.

However, on the other hand, God declares that of the increase of His government and His peace, there will be no end (Isaiah 9:7).  God further declares great anointing coming on His people, such that we will shine as lights and His glory will be seen on us (Isaiah 60:1-3).  Therefore, the end time sounds much like the passage of Psalm 23, "He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies."  Jesus explained that "a servant is not greater than his master.  If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." (John 15:20)  Therefore, just as Jesus turned Satan's greatest attack into glorious victory, His Spirit in us will provide the strength and power, the love and peace, to overcome all the plans of the enemy.  He will (always) lead us in triumph.

Perhaps the famous introduction by Dickens, in A Tale of Two Cities, is an appropriate description,
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."  Clearly the Holy Spirit is preparing the Bride of Christ, convicting of sin and establishing righteousness, and calling us into an "Abba, Father" relationship that is so real and unshakeable, that nothing can separate us from the love of God the Spirit has poured into our hearts.  All who loved God through the ages longed to see what we and hear what we hear in these days.  It also follows that the enemy, the accuser of the brethren who tested Job, will likewise test us.  Yet Scripture states we are not ignorant of his designs.  Therefore, it is not a little thing to build ourselves up in the Holy Spirit and be so prepared that we know "God is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day (2 Timothy 2:1:12).  

How does the enemy attack?  First of all, consider the "why" that Jesus revealed, that Satan is a liar, and that he comes to "steal, kill and destroy."  In the parable of the sower, the enemy stole the "Word" from those who didn't understand or receive it.  Secondly, those who weren't well established in knowing Jesus Christ fell when there was persecution or conflict arising from holding God's truth.  Thirdly, those who held on to the world, loving the things of the flesh such as pride, immorality, money, and selfishness more than God, fell because these "weeds" choked the Word.  Is this not a clear trumpet calling us to seek a solid revelation of Jesus through His Word, to choose that which pleases God over what satisfies our fleshy desires, and to look upon Him who rewards forever so that we can stand the temporary sufferings of persecution.

Prophet Stanley Frodsham, friend of Smith Wigglesworth and author of his biography, prophesied in 1965 five years before he died, that God would empower His people with great glory and holiness in the last days.  However, he suggested that many would fall because we would be tempted, just like Jesus, with being offered the kingdoms of this world, and secondly, with severe rejection and persecutions.  He strongly calls for believers to let the Lord lead them into a walk of holiness where there will be great glory and "unspeakable joy."  (This prophecy entitled "Preparing for the Coming Glory Amid Tribulations, Persecutions" can be read in in its entirety on the Charisma Magazine website, charismamag.com)

Obviously, according to Paul's instruction to Timothy, all those who live godly lives will have tribulations.  Jesus said they are sure to come.  However, we need to learn how to "count it joy" and have "peace" and "glory in tribulations" (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-5) so God can grow us up.  He does not waste things, but uses all for our good.  God is faithful and He waits for us to choose to obey His Word so He can do it.

Stop, repent from being lukewarm, because now, before things get worse, is the time to seek God seriously. Ask the Holy Spirit to build you up in the truth of the Word and to form in you His character.  Quit complaining, but instead, be thankful and let Him work in and through you.  God told Jeremiah, “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?" Let God work in you now so when the day comes, you can run with horses.

Put an End to all Evil

"I'm so afraid of the coming events described in Revelation that I don't even want to think about the end times."   These and similar reactions are typical of Christians interviewed about their reaction when someone mentions the last days.  How do you approach conversation or even your own thoughts about the days that Jesus described, "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved?" Clearly there are some extremely hard times ahead, but how should the mature Christian think and feel about what is coming?

As the daily morning news seems to highlight one more act of violence and murder, racial hatred, and ISIS inspired terrorist act, we have all become only too familiar with the fallen nature of man and how the enemy is able to "steal, kill, and destroy."  A growing spirit of depression and frustration gets stirred up in the human heart each time we hear of one more act of injustice.  No wonder the Bible states that "because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold." Matthew 24:12

On the other hand, God is not mocked and is moving mightily on the earth. We just don't always see it.  Just as the coming of the baby Jesus seemed like a completely helpless and futile attempt by God to change the world and mankind. Today God is raising up millions of prayer intercessors around the world that may seem insignificant to the average person, but this mighty force is powerful in shaking the heavens and the earth. 

“From 1960 to 2010, the number of Muslims that have converted to faith in Jesus Christ has grown from fewer than 200,000 to some 10 million people”  Joel Rosenberg recently said, citing a 19-page peer-reviewed study.  See https://endofdaysprophecy.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/joel-c-rosenbergs-blog-muslims-turning-to-christ/   Likewise reports continue to come in about an unprecedented move of God's Spirit in Latin America and millions are responding to the Gospel in Africa.  As Christians unite in prayer, and 24/7 prayer/worship groups continue to rise up, the prophecy of Isaiah 60 will surely come to pass: "² For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen..."  God is not mocked by evil men or the devil. He raises a Standard against it. We know and believe God's plan will bring in the most possible souls into the kingdom, for He desires that all be saved.

There is one main warning Jesus gives in His comments about end time, found in all the Gospel accounts.  "Be not deceived."   Paul reiterates this in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first."  Why or how could those who have come to know Jesus and believe in Him fall away?  Verses 9 and 10 of the same chapter point out, "⁹ The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, ¹⁰ and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth that they might be saved."  The key to having peace and not being shaken is to receive the "love of the truth," namely, God's Word.  May you and I call on the Holy Spirit right now to give us a love for the truth that never wavers, even in the light of public opinion, peer pressure, and false signs and wonders.

Yes, evil days are coming and the tribulation that Jesus and Revelation describe will occur.  It will only stop when Jesus comes again and instantly changes every kingdom to "become the kingdom of our Lord."  What is He waiting for?  Could He be waiting for the Spirit and the bride to say, "Come."  When Christians see how evil the enemy is, and how fallen man in his pride and fleshly lusts, and how he arrogantly thinks he can do whatever he wants without consequence, then we will long for and cry out with all our being, "Come!" 

So I have come to love and desire to know more about God's perfect plan and triumph in Revelation (God promises a blessing on all who read and/or hear the words of the book), and to see things going on in a new light.  Each enemy attack and victory for those who defy God's law opens my eyes to need for Jesus to intervene.  The more I  understand God's plan for the end, the more my heart longs for Him to come and to put an end to all evil.  Come, Lord Jesus!

What Shall the Righteous Do?

If the foundations are shaken, what shall the righteous do? Psalm 11 further asks how can you say "Flee as a bird to the mountains" rather than trust God.  That the godly foundation of America is shaken is unquestionable.  No wonder many Christians feel like running away from it all. 
One of the realities of the recent election is that the majority of Americans voted for those who favor killing babies in abortion and perverting marriage with acceptance of homosexuality.  God's principles were simply not important enough or considered too narrow. Even strong pleas from godly leadership like David Barton and Billy Graham were unheeded.
  Abraham Lincoln wisely stated that what happens in the schools in one generation will be in the government in the next.  So it follows that since God and His Ten Commandments were thrown out of our schools in the sixties, that this generation has grown into the adults that have no place for God's standards in the election of today.
  Which brings us to the original question, what shall the righteous do? Rather than run, it is time to turn to God and cry out for mercy.  A bedrock principle is that God is not mocked.  Judgment will surely follow any country that slaughters innocent babies and perverts the godly ordinance of marriage and the God-given purpose of sex.  The only hope is for someone to stand in the gap and intercede for the land.      
  God would have saved Sodom and Gomorrah for 10 righteous people. The 2 Chronicles 7:14 promise still stands today, if God's people in America will humble themselves and pray, turning from their wicked ways, then God will hear from heaven and heal our land.  Obviously God delights in mercy.  He takes no pleasure in the death and judgment of the wicked.  He longs to rescue the lost and to change the hearts of men.  So a major part of His plan is calling intercessors to turn whole-heartedly to Him and to seek Him with humble repentance and worshipful praise. 
God has warned in Isaiah 60 that darkness will cover the earth, but His light and glory will be seen on you (believers).  So even if there is gross darkness in the hearts of voters who give approval of abortion and homosexuality, God hasn't given up.  He is seeking those who will respond to the challenge by diligently seeking His face and obeying the leading of His Spirit to stand as a light in the midst of a "crooked and perverse" generation.  Stand in the gap and cry out for mercy, with praise and thanksgiving to an absolutely wonderful Father who cares infinitely much about His children.  His glory will be seen upon you.