“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.” (Exodus 7)
2 Timothy 3:1-9 NLT
Well alrighty then. You would’ve thought that Paul was talking to us in the 21st century. Can you identify with any of those warnings? Are you experiencing any of them in your own home? Do you see the evidence all around you? Nothing new under the sun my friends. Let’s take a look at some headlines from the newsrooms in America and around the world
30-Year Military Chaplain Fired from Air Force – His Crime? Biblical Views on Sexual Morality
L.A. Finally Backs Down After Forcing Churches to 'Choose Between Worship and Prison'
ISIS Affiliates Turning Africa into New Jihadist Battleground
Radical Muslims Place Bounty on Life of Christian Refugee Falsely Accused of Blasphemy: 'My Life Is in Imminent Peril'
Cartoon Network Now Telling Kids 'There Are Many Gender Identities'
Restrictions on Religious Freedom Hit Highest Levels in More Than a Decade
'A Direct Threat to Christian Education': LGBT Activist Group Calls for Biden to Target Christian Schools
Chinese Government Tells Churches to Worship the Communist Party or be Closed
After British Court Rules to Protect Children, Transgender Activist Wants All Kids to Be Given Puberty Blockers
4 People Stabbed, Dozens Arrested When Violence Erupts in DC After Peaceful Prayer Rally
The Global Elite's Plan for Your Future: The Great Reset
Nearly 90,000 Sex Abuse Claims Filed in Boy Scouts Bankruptcy
Hillsong’s Founding Pastor Places Carl Lentz’s NYC Church Under Investigation After Firing
Christian Families Banned from Worship in One Indian State as Persecution Worsens
Number of Christians Murdered for Faith Rose 60 Percent in 2020: List of Most Dangerous Places for Believers
I chose to pull these from The Christian Broadcasting Network. Didn’t get to FOX or CNN. But you get the idea. What Paul was warning Timothy about, hundreds of years ago, has now come full circle in the 21st century. We haven’t even hit the terrible time meter yet, but we’re pretty close. Have you been paying attention? Parents, have you any idea what your children are watching on prime time television? Do you even know where they are at this moment? We cannot be so heavenly minded that we’re no earthly good. This is home, temporarily, but still home. We need to be aware of what is happening and what is coming.
Jesus told His disciples that He was telling them ahead of time what was about to happen, so that when it does they won’t be surprised. We shouldn’t be either. Signs of the times are everywhere. We don’t need to fast and pray to find out. It’s already prophesied and recorded for our edification and instruction. We should be more aware than anyone about what’s coming. We can no longer be ignorant. CNN and FOX NEWS aren’t the only news channels. There’s a whole lot happening around the world that you’ll never hear about on secular outlets.
In New Mexico two churches were fined $10,000 each for holding Christmas Eve services, even though they followed protocols. Churches are being singled out like never before. I recall a few years ago where a Texas mayor wanted all sermons to be sent to her for review before being preached. What was she looking for? Anything that may be offensive to homosexuals. Where are we? Communist China! Then this headline today January 4, 2021.
Proposed Bill Gives NY Governor Power to Detain People Considered 'Public Health Risks'
I ask the question again. Where are we? Is this America land of the free? I’ve been sounding the alarm for months now. I pray we’re paying close attention to all the subtle changes that are being introduced or tested. If we fail to recognize what’s happening we’ll be caught unawares. This Covid epidemic has given a lot of people a taste of power, and now they aren’t satisfied with a taste they want the whole meal and the kitchen. The Holy Spirit wants us to discern through scriptures the signs that not only exposes Satan but warns of perilous times and the soon return of Jesus Christ. We must be ready!
As Christians we must be prepared for anything and everything. Ignorance is not bliss-It’s death. I pray we won’t make the mistake the five foolish virgins made. Thinking they had time because the Bridegroom was delayed, they made no preparation for what would happen if their lamps ran out of oil. They were Christians just like the five wise virgins, yet no allowances were made for their lack of preparedness. And so it will be with us if we refuse to be watchful, mindful and prepared for what lies ahead should Jesus tarry. Are we ready for this?
We don’t fast and pray to get our way, we fast and pray for His will to be done. We deny ourselves so He won’t be denied access to our lives. Fasting is emptying ourselves so we may be filled with Him. Is this why you fast?🙏
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant