SIGNS OF THE TIMES....!

Let me start with this first, if you “truly” know Christ as your personal Savior, you are safe in His hands (John 10:27-33).  All things will truly work out for your good, no matter how difficult life may be.  As we move closer to His return (Romans 8:28-39), look up the passages and be blessed.

SIGNS:

The storm clouds are gathering over nations, especially Israel and America.

A review of Matthew 24 and 25,  presents many clear signs of the times.  Many people {individually} today, both saved and unsaved appear to be interested in world events and the Biblical teaching of Christ’s soon return.  The strange thing is the quietness found in most pulpits today about this enormously, exciting Biblical truth.  Pulpits are not warning the people of II Corinthians 5:10.  Even though the mandate for preachers is to preach the “whole” counsel of God, many pastors are fearful that folks will leave the church if they follow God’s direction for their ministry.(see Ephesians 4:11-12; II Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Timothy 4:1-5)

So why do folks not realize they are supposed to bring glory and pleasure to God and not themselves. (Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11)

The reality is that the truth has not been explained to them.  Why do they not realize that they must give an account to Christ for their lifestyle.  Simple, they haven’t been told.  Why are Christians not concerned over living a pleasure oriented lifestyle and not concerned about carry out God’s commands. (like John 13:34-35; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Galatians 6:1, etc.)

Again, it’s pretty simple, “They have not been told the Biblical truth”.  Or, if they have been told, they don’t believe it.  Or, they like their sinful lifestyle more than obedience to the One who purchased them from the slave market of sin.

One of the vital signs of the end times is “apostasy“{a withdrawal from Biblical truth}.

Satan has blinded the eyes of many who profess to believe in Christ.  He (Satan) is a liar and a deceiver and many follow the doctrines of demons rather than Biblical truth.(Leviticus 17:7; Psalms 106:37; I Corinthians 10:20-21; I Timothy 4:1; Revelation 13:4)

 Worship of demonic doctrine is forbidden by God. (Leviticus 17:7; Zechariah 13:2; Revelation 9:20)  What is needed today?  Christians need to not blindly follow everything they hear but be like the people at Berea and search the Scriptures daily to “find out whether these were so”. (Acts 17:11)

Christians need to be concerned because our Lord warned in Matthew 24:12, that apostasy would abound in the latter days.

The Apostle Paul warned of apostasy in the latter days. (II Thessalonians 2:3 and again in I Timothy 4:1-3; cf Jude 3-19)

Example, if one is attending a church that agrees with abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, a need not to study the Bible, etc., then there is a responsibility to withdraw and attend where they can be taught truth.  It is vital to be able to appear before Christ and not be ashamed. (II Corinthians 5:10)

SIGNS OF THE TIMES....!

Let me start with this first, if you “truly” know Christ as your personal Savior, you are safe in His hands (John 10:27-33).  All things will truly work out for your good, no matter how difficult life may be.  As we move closer to His return (Romans 8:28-39), look up the passages and be blessed.

SIGNS:

The storm clouds are gathering over nations, especially Israel and America.

A review of Matthew 24 and 25,  presents many clear signs of the times.  Many people {individually} today, both saved and unsaved appear to be interested in world events and the Biblical teaching of Christ’s soon return.  The strange thing is the quietness found in most pulpits today about this enormously, exciting Biblical truth.  Pulpits are not warning the people of II Corinthians 5:10.  Even though the mandate for preachers is to preach the “whole” counsel of God, many pastors are fearful that folks will leave the church if they follow God’s direction for their ministry.(see Ephesians 4:11-12; II Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Timothy 4:1-5)

So why do folks not realize they are supposed to bring glory and pleasure to God and not themselves. (Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11)

The reality is that the truth has not been explained to them.  Why do they not realize that they must give an account to Christ for their lifestyle.  Simple, they haven’t been told.  Why are Christians not concerned over living a pleasure oriented lifestyle and not concerned about carry out God’s commands. (like John 13:34-35; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Galatians 6:1, etc.)

Again, it’s pretty simple, “They have not been told the Biblical truth”.  Or, if they have been told, they don’t believe it.  Or, they like their sinful lifestyle more than obedience to the One who purchased them from the slave market of sin.

One of the vital signs of the end times is “apostasy“{a withdrawal from Biblical truth}.

Satan has blinded the eyes of many who profess to believe in Christ.  He (Satan) is a liar and a deceiver and many follow the doctrines of demons rather than Biblical truth.(Leviticus 17:7; Psalms 106:37; I Corinthians 10:20-21; I Timothy 4:1; Revelation 13:4)

 Worship of demonic doctrine is forbidden by God. (Leviticus 17:7; Zechariah 13:2; Revelation 9:20)  What is needed today?  Christians need to not blindly follow everything they hear but be like the people at Berea and search the Scriptures daily to “find out whether these were so”. (Acts 17:11)

Christians need to be concerned because our Lord warned in Matthew 24:12, that apostasy would abound in the latter days.

The Apostle Paul warned of apostasy in the latter days. (II Thessalonians 2:3 and again in I Timothy 4:1-3; cf Jude 3-19)

Example, if one is attending a church that agrees with abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, a need not to study the Bible, etc., then there is a responsibility to withdraw and attend where they can be taught truth.  It is vital to be able to appear before Christ and not be ashamed. (II Corinthians 5:10)

Let's take a look at Ruth!

In this Bible story we learn that Naomi and Ruth have both become widows. 

With limited means, and lacking the protection of husbands, the women face a grim future. 

Yet Ruth demonstrates integrity, loyalty, and love when she chooses to forsake her country of Moab after Naomi, her mother-in-law, decides to return home to Judah. Ruth’s decision is incredibly selfless; before her lies an arduous journey and a lifetime of service to Naomi. Naomi encourages Ruth to stay in Moab and find a new husband, but Ruth is not having it.

“Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you,” Ruth doggedly pledges. “Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your GOD, my GOD” (Ruth 1:16).

Don’t miss this: Ruth is ALL IN. In making her decision, Ruth also chooses GOD and His ways without reservation.

GOD blesses Ruth for her humility and servant attitude. He not only gives her a wealthy husband (a relative of Naomi’s, which also restores Naomi’s good fortune and social standing), but also a baby who becomes the grandfather of King David, a direct ancestor of Jesus. 

What I love about this story is GOD’s provision. Neither woman, as they imagined their bleak futures, had any inkling that GOD was directing their steps to bless them and accomplish His plans to bring Jesus to earth. 

BEWARE OF THE SPIRIT OF JEALOUSY!

Jealousy is listed by the Apostle Paul as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:20, and will keep one from entering into heaven (Galatians 5:21). Webster defines jealousy as: "resentfully envious." It is a trait that has its roots in darkness (Romans 13:12-13). 

When one is filled with jealousy, it keeps them from being rationale about other things that are happening around them. A jealous individual is filled with resentment and often times has a negative outlook on life.

What Causes Jealousy?

There are several things that cause one to become jealous. Some of these things include ignorance (Romans 1:28-29), vainglory (Galatians 5:26), and carnality (1 Corinthians 3:3). But I feel that the number one thing that causes most people to be jealous is selfishness. 

Paul wrote: "he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself" (1 Timothy 6:4-5). The self-seeking individual who cares only about himself is usually the one that also becomes engulfed in jealousy.

What Are the Results of Jealousy?

James writes: "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there" (James 3:16). Jealousy keeps one from being rationale and as a result confusion exists. When one becomes confused they are then more likely to succumb to evil deeds. Solomon wrote: "Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?" (Proverbs 27:4).

A certain destruction will await all those who are filled with the sin of jealousy. Therefore, cast this evil away (2 Peter 2:1), and learn to love your fellow man. Paul wrote: "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Recognize jealousy for what it really is, cast it aside, and live by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Don’t let jealousy get a whole of you.

THE POWER OF THE ANOINTING OF GOD!

1.     When God leads You, He Anoints You despite Your Enemies.

Psalms 23:5 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over”.

2.     Overflowing anointing (Power) always accompanies the led (Sent) 

Luke 10: 1 - After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Luke 10:19 - Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

 3.  The Anointing sets us Free 

(Freedom is never given, it is fought for)

Isaiah 49:24 – 26.....24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?

- A mighty force over thee – e.g. Sickness, depression, Confusion etc

- Lawful Captive – Justice has placed you there. The Devil has a reason

 25 But thus SAITH the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. 

26 And I will feed them that OPPRESS thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob

Psalms 124: 6 – 7....6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

4.  The Anointing Establishes us Above our Enemies

Psalms 89: 20 – 25...20 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.23 And I will beat down his foesbefore his face, and plague them that hate him.

5. The Anointing gives us Access to Wealth and Peace

24 But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.25 I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.

WALKING BY THE SPIRIT

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)…10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The phrase Walk in the Spirit refers to lifestyle. In Biblical terms, to walk means to conduct oneself in a particular manner; pursue a particular course of life.

The Greek word “walk” is peripateo; it is a compound word that is made up of two words – peri means “about, concerning, around;” and the main verb pateo means “to tread, to walk along” – thus peripateo means “to stroll or walk about.” 

This Greek term is used ninety-five times in the New Testament as a metaphor for “live,” as illustrated by Paul in Ephesians 2:10). As stated earlier, to “walk in the Spirit” is to live in complete submission to the control of God’s indwelling presence – “We are not to let sin reign in our mortal body that we should obey its lusts, and we are not to present our members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin instead, we are to present ourselves to God as being alive from dead works, and our members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Rom 6:12-13).

The figurative meaning of “walking” refers to conduct –

~As believers we are to conduct our life in the paths indicated by God (2 Kg 20:3).

~As sons/daughters of righteousness walk in the light, rather than walk in darkness (1 Jn 1:7).

~The sinners way of life is to walk according to the flesh (Rom 8:4; Eph 2:2; 1 Cor 3:3).

~But Believers are to…

•walk in Christ (Col 2:6 – that is our “position” in Christ)

•walk according to the Spirit (Rom 8:4 – according to His leading)

•walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16 – that is the realm in which we are to walk)

•walk in love (Rom 14:15; Eph 5:2; 2 Jn 1:6 – that is the essence of a godly walk)

•walk as children of light (Eph 5:8 – that is the sphere in which we are to walk)

•walk in good works (Eph 2:10 – our lives are to produce fruit)

•walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4 – we are to live in this new reality)

•walk in a way that pleases God (1 Th 4:1 – by obeying God we please Him)

•walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7 – we must trust God and walk accordingly)

•walk in the light and walk in the truth (1 Jn 1:7; 2 Jn 1:4; 3 Jn 1:3 – the whole way one lives proves fellowship with God – 1 Jn 1:6ff; 2:6)

•walk in a manner worthy of their calling (Eph 4:1; 1 Th 2:12; Col 1:10 – conduct your life in a way that corresponds with your holy calling)

MY PRAISE PROVOKES SOMETHING TO HAPPEN!

We must recognize that praise is one of the most neglected weapons of war, yet it is one of the most effective if not the most effective of all spiritual weapons at our disposal.

But How, one may ask?

· Provokes the flow of Revelation – 2Kgs. 3:15-18/ Is. 30:29-30/ Is. 60:1-22

· Provokes Divine Intervention – 2Chr. 20:22-24/ Ps. 47:5-7

· Provokes Divine Multiplication – Jer. 30:19-20/ Jn. 6:5-11

· Provokes Divine Guidance – Is. 30:19-21/ Ps. 100:4/ Ps. 16:11

· Provokes Supernatural Deliverance – Acts 16:25-30

· Provokes Supernatural Promotion – Hab. 3:17-19.

· Provokes Divine Health – Ps. 100:4/ Ps. 84:7

· Provokes Divine Favour – Ps. 119:164/ Ps. 30:5-7

· Provokes Supernatural Blessing – Ps. 67:5-7/ Joel 1:11-12

· Provokes Divine Vengeance – Ps. 149:3-7/ 2 Sam. 6:14-23

· Empowers our access to realms of Signs and Wonders – Exo. 15:11

· Facilitates fulfillment of Prophecies – 2Chr. 20:14-24/ 1Tim. 1:18.

From scriptures, we understand that praise is God’s spiritual habitat (Ps. 22:3).

It is also the conductor through which our battles are handed over to God and we know that God cannot take over what we do not hand over (2 Chr. 20:3-24/ Ps. 149:1-9).

This is why when we engage in praise, God shows up on our behalf and when God shows up, signs and wonders flow. (Ps. 22:3/ Zeph. 3:14/ 2 Chr. 20:22-24)

Also, at every cross road, we usually hear people say, “it will take God…” But whatever will take God will require praise – because it takes praise to provoke divine presence (Ps. 22:3/ Ps. 114:1-9).

Therefore, scripturally when we pray God answers and when we praise, He comes down and when God comes down, our obstacles are turned into miracles (Exo. 15:11).

                                 How To Wait On The Lord? 

King David knew from experience what it meant to wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14). While David was waiting, he was chased through the wilderness by jealous King Saul. David had to wait on God for the fulfillment of His promise to reign as king. And, after becoming king, David was chased by his rebellious son Absalom. But, David did not give up, even though he was discouraged at times. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 30: 6 that when David was distressed, he “encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”

Waiting on God is not easy, and that is one of the reasons why depression comes. Often it seems God is not answering our prayers or doesn’t understand the urgency of our situation. That kind of thinking, however, implies that God is not in control or is not fair. But God is worth waiting for. Often God calls us to wait because He uses waiting to refresh, to renew, and to teach us. We should try to make good use of our waiting time by discovering what God may be trying to teach us while we wait.

There are several ways we can wait on God: 

Focus directly on the Lord and not on our problem. Praise God for Who He is and read His Word on a regular basis. If we take our focus off of God, we are bound to fail and spiral even further into depression.

Continue in prayer until we receive our answers. God does not always answer our prayers immediately, sometimes it takes a while. What we may not realize is that while we are waiting, our faith and trust in God is becoming stronger.

Thank God for the renewed strength He has given you through your time of waiting on Him. Your renewed strength and your new perspective allows you to see God as greater than your problems. Therefore, the higher you climb spiritually, the smaller your problems will appear. 

Since God has all strength, there is no reason for us to quit. Even the strongest people can get tired and become depressed, but God’s power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired, too depressed or too busy to listen to our prayers. God’s strength is our source of strength. So, when you feel life is weighing you down and you cannot go another step, admit that you cannot solve your problems and turn them over to God. Call upon God and ask for His help, then watch your hope return and receive a renewed strength. 

When we become discouraged, we forget God’s mercies and blessings of the past and become fearful of about the future. The enemy will do everything in his power to get us to think that God has forgotten us. 

But God says in His Word, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 12:5)

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord!”

                              DOING THE WILL OF GOD!

I’m sure you have probably heard someone say before "it’s my life, I can do what I want to." While it is true that the life we have is ours, we cannot do what we want to with it if we really want to be pleasing to God. 

The Bible says, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are" 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). 

Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in us. God created us and expects us to be obedient to Him in all things. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 

We need to understand that we are here only because God created us and that our obligation in life is to make sure that we please Him in all things. Christians have been baptized into Christ and have made a vow before God to live for Christ each day for the rest of our life. Baptism puts us into Christ (Galatians 3:27) and into His body, and the church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23). 

When we die, our soul will return to God who gave it to us in the first place (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Our eternal resting place will be in heaven or hell, depending on who we have really served while on this earth (2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 6:24). 

Lastly as Christians, we must ensure that we are living our lives for Christ, not for ourselves or others. Jesus will judge us in the last day, nobody else (John 12:48).  In the end can it be said that we were REALLY doing the will of the Lord?  I say Do the Will of God!

STAY FAITHFUL TO THE END!

God has promised us that if we are with Him then He will be with us. 

Azariah the prophet of God spoke to King Asa and said, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:2). 

You can read about King Asa in chapters 14-16 of 2 Chronicles. 

When Asa sought God then he was blessed in all that he did. He was able to destroy an Egyptian army of a million men because he sought God first. 

As a result of his reliance on God, he and the kingdom of Judah enjoyed 35 years of peace. In chapter 16 we learn that God forsook Asa because he began to leave God out of his decisions. In the 41st year of Asa’s reign, he became diseased in his feet and still did not seek the Lord’s help. Asa died having devoted the first 35 years of his life in faithful service to God but unfortunately he made some very foolish decisions, not relying on God as he did earlier in his life and service as the King of Judah.

The life of King Asa should teach all of us something today. Hanani, the prophet spoke these powerful words: 

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him...” (2 Chronicles 16:9). 

We can know that if we will dedicate our life fully and completely to God, then God will prosper us. But if we choose to put anyone or anything ahead of Him, then we will not prosper. To the loyal Christian, God is our strength, hope, and salvation. Stay the course! Continue to be “.....steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). We must be faithful until the very end of our life here on earth in order to receive the crown of righteousness (Revelation 2:10).

STAY FAITHFUL TO THE END!