The Night is Far Spent, But… (August 2020)

We read in Romans 13:11&12 in the Amplified Bible, “Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ]. The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.” This scripture is saying that the church has been spiritually complacent or asleep far too long. King James version says that it is high time that we awaken from sleep. Our completed salvation is near; all of our salvation manifested which would include our getting our glorified body. Notice: the time is drawing close ‘til Jesus is coming. This is the time that we must repent of our sins and turn unto Him.

Many of God’s children are so distracted by many things. They do not realize the time element in Jesus’ coming back. It is sooner than we think. Many are distracted from the Lord in their jobs, their families, their finances, pleasures, and the news filled with violence and COVID19. Are these things important? Yes, they are, but I see that God’s children are filled with fear, anxiety, worry, and depression. The only way to combat these things is by running into our High Tower, Jesus; and then, the Scripture said that we would be safe (2 Sam. 22:3). We must combat our fears with the Word of God. There are no shortcuts. The things of this world will bring a temporary peace, but an everlasting peace is found in our great God. We must come unto Him often. There is so much vying for our attention and time. It should stop right now, in Jesus’ name. The Word tells us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Whatever we need from the Lord will be added as we first remain in right standing with the Lord; doing what He has commissioned us to do. If we are so occupied with the troubles of this world, we will be hindered from the very One that can deliver us from troubles that try to overcome us.

Listening to all the negative talk concerning the season that we are living in can lead us to discouragement. Remember, in Romans 10:17, we read “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” “Faith” is believing with confidence the Word of the Lord. It comes as we hear the Word. We may need to listen many times before “faith” arises in our hearts. Speak His Word over and over. We must realize that when we hear negative all of the time that we will begin to believe that instead of the Word? We cannot allow ourselves to hear the evil in our lives and of the world time and time again. It will create fear (a believing the lies of the wicked one). Fear is not God’s will for us unless it is a reverential fear of Him. Fear in us is a sin. It must be dealt with through repentance and by the declarations of God’s Promises.

“’Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’” says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Is. 54:10). This is the Truth, but are we meditating this or the troubles we see. Be encouraged by God’s holy Word and know; you have nothing to fear and Jesus is coming soon.