Beloved, we are in an hour that demands sobriety - adrenaline-less clarity, steady hands, and fixed gaze; not given to panic, frenzy, distraction or internal disturbance.
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
(1 Peter chapter 4, verse 7)
Watch yourself
The hour we are in necessitates self-controlled alertness, and a ruthless commitment to the Truth. In an age characterized by scripture as “wicked”, we do well to obey the warnings of our Lord, and take heed that we are not deceived (Matthew chapter 24, verse 4).
The Spirit expressly warns us that in the latter days (I believe this describes the present time - as we await the return of our Lord Jesus, the Christ), some will abandon the faith, and turn instead to deceptive doctrines inspired by demons. Thus, it is imperative that we watch ourselves and the teaching closely, making sure we continue in sound doctrine (1 Timothy chapter 4 verses 1 & 16).
The times we are in also require that we pursue understanding of scripture, and respond rightly to the Lord. We, importantly, do not seek to, in the words of Stuart Greaves, “stabilize that which the Lord is shaking.” In this hour, the Lord has been and continues to expose faulty foundations, highlighting where our securities, hopes and identities lay.
The foundation of truth
If we are rocked by shaking, it indicates that our foundation is capable of being shaken; showing itself not to be the Foundation which is immovable, (and upon which all of life and godliness must be built) - Christ. The value of our life’s building material is being exposed, and some have already been revealed as fuel for the fire - that which amounts to nothing of eternal value, and will be burnt up.
Let us therefore hold fast to the Truth! As children of the Day, let us walk in the ways of light, and abandon the fruitless deeds of darkness. Let us run the race marked out for us in such a way as to obtain the prize. Let us love in sincerity, hating what is evil, and clinging to what is good.
Beloved, the hour is late. May we be numbered among the watchful and the wise. And who are the wise servants? Those whom the Master finds doing what He has appointed them to upon His return. And who are the wise virgins? Those who have cultivated the oil of intimacy with the Bridegroom, and are able to look in the face of the man Christ Jesus on that Day and say “I know Him!”, and hear Him respond, “And I know you”.
How then shall we live?
The conclusion then is this: Get wisdom, get oil. Grow in the knowledge of God and continue in His ways. Don’t draw back- persevere to the end, knowing that your labour of love will not be in vain.
Throw off the sin, and all that ensnares. Rid yourself of sexual immorality, greed, worldliness, fears, idolatry, gossip, slander, lying, and all the things that hinder the work of love in our hearts, and dull the soul.
Give yourself to the place of prayer, and selfless love and service of the brethren. Follow the example of Christ, continue in the Way, and live boldly unashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto the salvation of men. Rejoice in weakness, afflictions and persecutions, being slighted, looked over or slandered for the Name; because when we are weak- His strength is made manifest.
Love the Bride; love the Bridegroom and the Day of His appearing. Keep the faith.
And if you aren’t in the faith, get in the Ark (that is Christ Jesus). The Flood is coming- and you cannot stand.
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
(Revelation chapter 22, verses 12-14)
Francesca Tavares (West Indies) is a daughter, sister, friend, avid reader, attorney-at-law, and porridge connoisseur. She enjoys Jesus and fulfilling His purposes for her life on Earth.
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