2002-01-01
Good Morning Dear Ones,
When we attempt to work out our difficulties relying on ourselves, we soon learn that things simply don’t work out. However, the Lord has told us over and over again to look to Him for guidance. PS 32: 8, “The Lord says, ‘I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you.’” David prayed in PS 31: 3-4, “You are indeed my Rock and my Fortress; for Your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me.” While human sources promise to lead us to happiness, only our loving Abba can. And yet, so many people simply don’t understand this. It is why we need to examine some of the dark side of today’s society, so that we can have the discernment to recognize it for what it is and the courage to help ourselves and others to reject it.
There is a key citation that bears some attention in this message. It’s Christ’s words in MT 7: 15-17. “Be on your guard against wolves in sheep’s clothing [false prophets]; they come to you looking like sheep on the outside, but on the inside they are really like wild wolves. You will know them by what they do. Thorn bushes do not bear grapes, and briers do not bear figs. A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree bears bad fruit.” Astrologers promise to answer questions that we have and present their lies in an entertaining form. Those interested in the occult lure people in with promises that they can communicate with the dead whom they miss. Cults offer acceptance and attention to a person who hungers for them. This is the darkness of our world.
In past history, mankind has seen evildoers like Antiochus IV Epiphanes (who desecrated the ancient temple in Jerusalem, tried to assimilate the Jews into the Hellenic culture, and committed the Abomination of Desolation-a huge affront to Judaism involving the sacrifice of a pig on the highest altar in the temple.) Other evil people like Adolf Hitler, who was responsible for the Holocaust, believed that mankind could solve all problems. Turning to God was not an option for him. Instead, he practiced atheism and became increasingly evil as his time in office ensued. Saddam Hussein turns to an extremist form of what he claims is Islam as a rationalization for his actions. The same is true of Osama bin Ladin and his followers. Their form of the evil may be different than that of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, but it’s from Satan just as was that which was practiced from the time of the Tower of Babel in GN 11. As a result of the actions of these and others who reject God, countless people have suffered and died.
Eventually God keeps the same promise that He made regarding the antichrist in DN 9: 27b, “…until the one who put it [the Abomination of Desolation to be carried out at the midpoint of the Tribulation] there meets the end which God has prepared for him.” This same point is elaborated upon in DN 7: 24b-27, “Then another king [the antichrist] will appear; he will be very different from the earlier ones and will overthrow three kings. He will speak against the Supreme God and oppress God’s people. He will try to change their religious laws and festivals, and God’s people will be under his power for three and a half years. Then the heavenly court will sit in judgment, take away his power, and destroy him completely. The power and greatness of all the kingdoms on earth will be given to the people of the Supreme God. Their royal power will never end, and all rulers on earth will serve and obey them.” I don’t speak of these evil human leaders that we know and then the antichrist to confuse. Instead, it is to show that our Supreme God has enough power to know ahead what they will do and to prepare a fate that is spiritual death and destruction for each of them. When they appear in human history doesn’t matter; their outcome with be the same-eternal torment in the lake of fire and sulfur.
RO 1: 18-25 demonstrates that when Satan has inroads to the mind, he also has access to the flesh. The long-standing rash of pedophilia and cover ups amongst Catholic priests is a good example of this. As believers in Christ, we are commanded to remain in God’s word, which is the greatest advantage against the enemy that we can have. Discernment of the truth is a crucial matter in our lives. We must believe in God’s word and remain in constant contact with Him in prayer. PS 46: 1, “God is our Refuge and our Defense, a clear and present Help in times of trouble.” We must examine as individuals and as a corporate Body of Christ how these truths impact our lives.
PRAYER: O Lord, Satan can be crafty and present himself and his followers in very innocuous ways. We are often weak and vulnerable when we are not disciplined about seeking You out first and spending time in Your word. You are aware of our imperfections and desire to lead us to ways that will strengthen our faith. In JN 15: 7, Christ gives us amazing assurance. “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it.” How else could You have inspired Your Son to say what He did in MK 11: 22-24? “Have faith in God. I assure you that whoever tells this hill to get up and throw itself in to the sea and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. For this reason I tell you: When you pray and ask for something, believe that you have received it, and you will be given whatever you ask for.” When we live “in Christ,” You, out of the loving kindness of Your heart and grace, give us discernment, power to battle Satan, protection, courage, and encouragement. We should never question Your motives, decisions, or actions. They are always righteous and in our best interests in the long-term. PS 46: 10 tells us to “be still and know that I am God.” What a powerful message this is! What great comfort it gives us when we understand it through the Holy Spirit and put it in practice. Throughout our history, You have been a Promise-keeper and a faithful God. We stand before You today to humbly confess our sins, to accept our utter dependence on You, and to trust and obey You. Nothing else makes sense; nothing else works. Our faith is borne out of a gift You gave us and grows every day, as we get to know you better. We offer You utmost thanks for the sacrifice of Your Son, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the power to overcome Satan and his followers in Christ’s name. We are Your children, and we adore, worship, glorify, honor, pledge loyalty and diligence to, praise and thank You. In His Holy Name, Amen.
Tomorrow, I am led to discuss “taking up” and “standing firm” as they relate to spiritual warfare and maintaining truth. Let me cite the first verse of the hymn, “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above,” which certainly expresses what is in my heart today. See how you feel about it. “Sing praise to God Who reigns above, the God of all creation. The God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation. With healing balm my soul He fills, and every faithless murmur stills: to God all praise and glory.” This hymn is based on PS 97: 1, “The Lord reigneth; let earth rejoice.” Dear Ones, we really do have every reason to rejoice. Our Abba loves us dearly and is eager to have us perfected, glorified, and living with Him in eternal joy and peace. Peter and I send you our love too.
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn