"The Times They Are a-Changin’" as the song goes. The world is in a state of change in all areas- social, political, economic, and most of all Spiritual. In the past we were able to focus on simple topics at an elementary level. The message of hope, faith, and Love could be taught in a rather stable environment. But now we are quickly moving to a major global shift in life as we know it and if your foundation is built on sand, your house is about to go through a frontal assault.
If you are expecting to be a full expression of FATHER’S Love, you will be required to walk in faith and you will surely be tested. As you are challenged by others who will take an un-defendable position, you will simply Love them and forgive them as they confront or shun you, depending on their modus operandi. When you challenge people’s religious doctrine, they get defensive and typically try to discredit the messenger and will use the various means at their disposal to rationalize why you are wrong. They will use isolated Biblical passages as the foundation of their overall doctrine. FATHER has a way of being a “doctrine buster”. He’s busted plenty of mine over the years.
Your walk of faith will not be popular or embraced by the masses. It there is a lesson to be learned at the cross, most of Jesus’ staff were missing from the event. The Beloved Disciple John was the exception. Love does not hesitate to show up when the challenge and confrontation arrive. In Isaiah chapter 50:
8 He is near who justifies Me;
Who will contend with Me?
Let us stand together.
Who is My adversary?
Let him come near Me.
FATHER is always near and will vindicate us as we are challenged by others. As we hear HIS WORD and speak it forth, we must stand fast as HIS WORD goes forth and accomplishes that which HE sent it to do. When we are fully mature, we no longer concern ourselves with the antagonistic words of our adversaries. We simply forgive them and go on with our calling. We trust that everything FATHER is exposing us to is meant to be a part of our walk here on earth. We wake up in anticipation of our daily interactions with HIM. We embrace the fullness of the day and look for opportunities to share HIS Love with others. We look forward to serving mankind rather than looking to exploit others as the old man was motivated to do.
On a daily basis I am confronted by yet another indication of the rough waters ahead for mankind. I know it is not the end of the world but it is clear that there is a major confrontation ahead. You can be sure that major changes will accompany the confrontation. I have heard a multitude of opinions of how and when it will occur. My response is to prepare given the resources available to me. I am not afraid of what lies ahead for FATHER has prepared me to overcome the fear of the unknown. We all must trust in HIS Love for us and know that HE will work out the details as we navigate through the times ahead.
FATHER’S Plan trumps man’s intended outcomes. Throughout Scripture we find a common theme- mankind goes astray and FATHER comes to the rescue. Thankfully HE is the Author of patience. Thankfully HE has revealed HIMSELF to us and imparting faith to us through HIS WORD in a timely fashion.
There are many “watch dates” ahead but frankly every day is a watch date for me. I am focusing on hearing HIM today and receiving whatever HE has for me today. My focus is for me to change internally, knowing that the external is HIS responsibility. As I change internally and become fully mature IN HIM, HE will utilize me to deal with the external. Think not that you can rest on some revelation of the past and expect to be of service today. We are in a dynamic time and FATHER is in continuous communication with those who are walking in faith and expecting to hear HIM today. Let the words of Psalm 27 comfort us as we proceed though the challenges ahead:
11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!