Be Strong and Do Exploits

John 11:9-10 reads "Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him"

I quote this because there is a darkness that's falling across this land like never before. The grandiose delusions that are beginning to manifest will become so convincing as to "deceive, if it were possible, even the very elect." These are unbelievably dangerous times; not so much because of the physical tragedies that will come to pass, but because of the deceptions that will cause all, to receive a mark on their right hand or their forehead. They will, for a morsel of bread, sell their birthright and seal their doom. I've been thinking on Daniel chapter 11 tonight as it tells about those saints who will be alive during the tribulation. I'm aware of what most people believe concerning this and I would ask you to really examine it for yourself. Here's a link if you're interested in some things to ponder.

www.endtimepilgrim.org/post-tribrap.htm

Do you ever ponder what we're going to face in the days ahead? We know that the whole world is going to wonder after the beast saying "who is like him? and Who can make war with him?" I don't think that necessarily means who can come against him militarily, although arms will stand on his side. I'm certain that it means he'll seem like such a nice guy and he will seem to make everyones life better that you can't possibly be against him. Here's a recent example of a similar situation. Do you remember the death of Pope John Paul II? Folks came from all over the world, stood in line for days on end and wept uncontrollably as they passed by his body. They literally worshipped this "wonderful man of peace" and all of the reporters told of how great he was. Can you imagine the scene if one had gone in there and stated that this man held beliefs which were contrary to scripture? That person would have been made to look like a cold hearted, insensitive buffoon. Well this is the exact reaction that christians will get when they take a stand against the antichrist. They will be made out to look like the scum of the earth as they proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 1:18-31) The attitudes are already in place as new age thinking with it's "many paths to heaven" and "man is basically good" teachings sound like nice things to a delusioned populace that has no anchor of truth. When you tell people that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven (which is true) and that few are going to come to him (which is also true) they will think you to be suffering from "srcewloose syndrome." When this situation comes to fruition, it will be quite obvious as to who the real saints are and who was pretending.

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Revelation 14:12)

In Daniel 11:32-35 we see how things will be for the tribulation saints. Some primary points are as follows: (these are just casual thoughts; please check it out as reading scripture is far better than anyones comments on scripture.)

(1) Be strong and do exploits. They will walk in the power of the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Spirit will be manifest among them. If you're not walking in the Spirit, you'll be in serious danger of joining the great falling away of carnal and lukewarm believers. Please, if you've never received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues seek it diligently. You really need to be empowered from on high and it's a promise to all who believe.

(2) They will instruct many. I imagine that a few who heard the gospel of jesus when they were younger will be ready to listen, along with some christians who were expecting to be out of here when this all came to pass. These folks will need to be in touch with those who have understanding as they didn't prepare for such times as this. (an interesting note; I know of folks who don't claim to be christians, yet they notice the world situation getting increasingly worse. They like to discuss these events and their significance even more than most christians.)

(3) They shall fall by the sword, flame, captivity, and spoil. In short, there going to be killed in various fashion, none of which are pleasent to the flesh. This should not be frightening to those who know their God. Jesus has promised to be with us always. Just as he was with Stephen in Acts chapter 7.

(4) Holpen with a little help. A few will probably try to hide them or get food to them. This may be referring to when they come in contact with other saints. (There's going to be a great falling away when the antichrist is on the scene and true saints will be hard to come into contact with.)

(5) Many will cleave to them with flatteries. They will sound like they agree with them, either to sooth their own conscience or to set them up for betrayal. The apostle Paul told about "perils among false brethren" (II Corinthians 11:26)

(6) Trial of faith. Some will fall and they will have an opportunity to prove that they really believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. You won't lay down your life for something that you don't believe. (Remember Revelation 12:11) This is much like the third point

(7) Trials will purge them and make them white. Trials bring you closer to the Lord Jesus Christ and will bring saints closer together also. It's similar to how soldiers in a combat situation will develop a bond with each other that never would have transpired in a secure environment.

In conclusion, things are undoubtedly going to be incredibally turbulant, but Jesus will never leave us or allow us to be tempted above what we're able. Just a side note here, I've often had situations arise and I would find myself praying "Lord, this is too much for me to deal with." I have to repent because that's an inaccurate thought. He'll never allow us to be tempted above what we are able to bear and that prayer suggests that I think he did. It's something that I find myself having to watch out for. Jesus will be with us always; even unto the end of the world. We need to strive to be as close to him as we can be and stay in his word. Delusions are coming that would appear (in the physical realm) to disprove the gospel of Jesus Christ; we must be ready for this assault. "Hold the Fort" as the song goes. Let me close out with Jude 20-21

"But ye, beloved, building up your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."