Scripture reading: Matthew 22:36-37, Luke 21:25-28, John 4:24, James 4:8
The world is becoming increasingly more wicked day by day. We can see the signs of the times everywhere. We are truly living in the last days. In these last days we are seeing things that we may have never thought possible in the public squares as well as many churches. Just a few examples:
We are seeing gay and lesbian lifestyles enabled by churches and their leaders (as well as other sinful lifestyles and not just homosexuality) instead of modeling the real and true love that Jesus showed in a call to repentance.
We are seeing leaders in the church not taking a stand against abortion and speaking against it in how we vote because politics supposedly can’t be spoken about in church (wrong).
We are seeing cancel culture take center stage injecting fear into the hearts of people because they may lose their job and family income if they don’t bow down to the standard.
We are seeing so much offense taken by people and everyone trying to make everything right in the name of social justice. People can’t make mistakes anymore it seems. Where is the grace and forgiveness? Surely those who accuse will find themselves in need of that same grace and forgiveness they never offered when they fall short themselves.
We are seeing movements and riots that are ungodly and do not have the spirit of God.
In the church we are seeing compromise for the sake of “unity” (which is really a false unity). We are trying to attract more and more people with the appearance of things rather than attracting people with the Word of God, the Holy Spirit and the anointing. Weak preaching and well timed services for the sake of the congregation while the sheep are left without proper food from the pastor who is their shepherd. We are essentially planning the Holy Spirit right out of the building. It seems some people only want part of Jesus and not all of Him.
This is just a few examples of the signs of the times. All of this can sound pretty bleak but what an opportunity we have as Christians in this time! Are you fully committed to Jesus? In these last days we need to be close to the Cross. We should always be close to Jesus but surely now is the time to repent and come back to our first love. Don’t wait. Christians need to be the beacons of light amongst all the darkness in the world and darkness subtly infiltrating the church at large (speaking generally because there are plenty of wonderful churches still out there today). The remnant needs to rise up and speak truth even when people want to cancel you. Your faith will be put to the test but God never leaves His children lacking bread. Don’t worry. He is faithful when you seek Him and put Him first.
The Scripture says in Matthew 22:37 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Furthermore the Scripture says in John 4:23 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.”God is looking for those who are fully committed to Him and who are genuine in their walk with Him. The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 16:9 “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” You can’t be a Christian and not spend time in the Word and with the Lord. The Lord wants time with you and we must make it a priority in our lives. It’s so rewarding and your life will be filled with the joy of the Lord. The breakthrough starts in the secret place.
Now more than ever is the best time to be a Christian. We have an opportunity to move in the power of God through His Holy Spirit ministering to people and speaking truth in all the darkness around us whether at home, the workplace, recreational activities, etc. As things get worse in the world our opportunity to witness and minister vastly increases. What a wonderful time to be alive! Instead of being discouraged at the things we see happening in our world we should count it all joy. Our redemption draws closer and closer. So the question to you is this- are you fully committed to Jesus? Go and be a light in this world that needs Jesus!
May the Lord be praised!