"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty." 2 Timothy 3:1
Are we in the last days? Many Bible scholars and teachers think so. Certainly we're closer now than we were a decade ago. Reading Paul's description of the last days in 2 Timothy 3:2-4 does seem to describe the world we're now living in: "For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,". Such are the signs of the end times, as are the Lord's warning In Luke 21:11: " And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven."
God wants us to be aware of these things, but He doesn't want us to live in fear. He has given us the tools we need to live triumphantly in Christ and have victory over fear, no matter what is going on around us. We have Jesus' abiding presence. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. If we have trusted in Him as our Savior, than we have no reason to fear. In Revelation 1:17-18 Jesus told John: "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." Jesus has all authority, and He holds the keys! Not Satan, nor anyone or anything on earth. One day every knee will bow to Jesus (Philippians 2:10). We need to remember this and remain obedient to His word. When we give Him first place in our lives His presence becomes more apparent, and our faith is strengthened.
Every day we need to welcome the Holy Spirit into our day, and allow Him to control our thoughts and actions. We need to become more sensitive to Him and to His promptings. He will never lead us into darkness, but will always shed light on our path. We need to be daily readers of the word so that we will grow more and more into the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit illuminates scripture and teaches us. So important!
Finally, we need to be in community with other believers. Be in a Bible believing and teaching church where Christ is preeminent. Where worship is Christ centered.
God has chosen us to live in these times. He has a purpose for us, and we can choose to serve Him daily with our whole hearts. Trusting Him to give us the courageous faith we need at all times.
Today's music video Hearts Courageous by Marantha Singers is a beautiful anthem of faith. and dedication to the Lord. Enjoy and be encouraged!
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
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