Listen Up!

2Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1-5 - But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 

Read this again. Do you see this in this world today? Wow, the first thing is lovers of selves, one of the biggest reasons one does not want to receive Christ. Lives seem most important as they are today. Six times in the New Testament Jesus said: He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. We must give up our lives to and for Christ, like He did for us, that we, being then in Christ, will live forever in and for Him. This is not just knowing who He is, but believing what the Word (which is also Jesus) says, not a church or denomination. It is giving your life for Him.

But look at the rest of this list. Can't you see all these in this world? If you look at the news, which we should have some interest in, can't you say each one of these things has risen up? I bring this up because of the latest news about the mass shooting in a South Carolina church last night. We don't know the motive yet; they haven't as of this writing found the shooter. But here we have a pastor, also in politics, killed, along with others in his congregation. I'm certain all this pastor wanted, and others who seem to be rejected for their beliefs, are things done honestly and in order, the way God requires it, not man. The foundation God requires...one based on Him. The foundation this country was founded on. The foundation some do not see a need for because they are "lovers of self."

It's a shame more people don't see this. It's their way or the highway; it's antagonism against, and sometimes hatred for, all things true and just. Sometimes it's just man wanting to do what man wants...lover of self, pride. This goes for both sides of the political aisle. This is also the way that will usher in the return of Christ, which I'm sure many will scoff at. The enemy is hard at work because he knows his time is short and he wants to take down as many as he can. Will you be along with him and apart from God when that happens?

In an interview with a congressman and congregant of this pastor's church, he spoke truth: We're entering a new phase in politics; the politics of hate. They've always been around but they're rearing their heads to new levels, new heights. There's always some people who will express some sort of hatred toward politicians, but there things that do unite us as a people and when people of goodwill come together our nation prospers. We need prayer, we need God, we need to return to our founding principles more today than any time in our nation's history. These are truths because he understands the things of God. If we do not understand we are in deep trouble, just where the enemy the devil wants us. I am reminded of this: ...if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (‭2Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬)  Why can't we see this and understand? Because we need Christ to do so.

We must be in relationship and living for Christ.  When we are we are ...no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭19-22)  Neither our church, pastor, priest, rabbi, nor denomination, but Jesus alone, is to be our foundation. The Church was built on Jesus Christ. It's about one Man who died for our sins. One Man who was concealed in the pages of the Old Testament and revealed in the New. And we need to bow before Him. 

Heavenly Father, as we see these things occurring more frequently, I ask for Your strength and peace throughout it all. I have had occasionally an overwhelming discomfort in my spirit. Things are not as they have been, nor will they ever be the same again. I know You are at work bringing about Your return. As we hold our heads up and look to You, remind us of Your power, grace, mercy and love. Give us discernment. Bring the masses of unsaved to an understanding of who You are. Let more find that narrow road You talk about. Open ears and minds to receive the wonderful, saving knowledge of You and help us to boldly to reach others. 

1Corinthians 3:11 - For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.