I believe we are coming into a new season, one that will test the metal from which you have been forged like none we have ever known. In some ways I don't think it is actually a new season, I think the church is going to end the same way it started - the miraculous mixed with horrific persecution. Jesus said, He wished we were either hot or cold, the days ahead will push us in one of those two directions. The question for you is, which way is your tree leaning?
The picture of the sign at left reveals what I believe to be one of the difficulties of the days ahead, and that is, what can we be sure of? In the first century James was killed, and Peter was miraculously released from prison by angelic helpers. Quite a contrast. Some will suffer the worst possible outcomes, and some will experience the greatest of miracles. The only thing that really matters is not your outcome, but your outlook. The fickleness of politicians will come more into focus, there will be those like Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel chapter 2 who is rewarding Daniel for revealing secrets, and declaring there is no God like the God of Daniel. Yet in chapter 3 he is ordering, under penalty of death, everyone to bow down to an image he had made. What can we be sure of? The three Hebrew boys were sure of two things, and one was of greater importance than the other: Dan 3:16 ... O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. The best preparation for the days ahead is to keep the fire on your altar burning. - Blessings
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