The Last Hour…
A Sure Compass and a Light Rising
Stability and Focus in the Middle of Instability
If you track the news, media, and world events, you recognize the signs of the times prophesied in the scriptures. There is a knowing that we have come to the last days… If maybe, you have not recognized the face of the end, I encourage you to get a Bible and study its features closely, so that you may put in prospective the events you are watching and those events that will yet happen.
I have noted, there seems a sense of anxiety and frustration in some – even despair… and yet in others there is a bursting expectancy and second wind like that of a flying race horse before the finish, or that of the last relay runner carrying the baton. A stretching, yearning, beating of every fiber for the finish line! The cup is in sight.
I propose a question… What causes that stability and focus when “out there” is so crazy and uncertain??? I want to shed light and encouragement on these questions so that you are urged on and finish your race.
First, where are your eyes?... You are diametrically affected by what you look at with the eye of your mind, ok. "The lamp of the body is the eye (of your mind). If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light (so you can see). "But if your eye (thought and perception) is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light (of your thoughts) that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! (and how can you run) Matthew 6:22-23
Your feelings are NOT a compass. They are a reaction to a given perception in your mind. One that may be clouded, incomplete or fully mistaken. The one compass that does not knee-jerk with the tide of social and world events is this: God’s word. “Your word is a (revealing) lamp unto my feet, and a (guiding) light unto my path.” - Psalms 119:105
And yet, a compass can only affect your path if you’re looking at it.
The state of your mind directly affects how well you are able to hear God’s plan and the wisdom to implement it. Perspective is quickly formed by a sequence of pictures set before the mind. Your life then conforms to mirror your mind. “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (so he becomes)…”- Proverbs 23:7 Thus your thoughts are affecting your feet. This really comes into play where input is concerned. For instance: watching news and observing society can be an incentive from the right perspective. It is good to know what is going on and to be informed/ to be aware. However, when media (or even social media) comes to the point where you are reduced to emotions of fear, dread, hate, and reactions – You have become driven instead of driving (with purpose) – It is time to step back and readjust your focus so that you see clearly to move wisely and with great efficiency. Am I saying bury your head in the sand… no. I am saying you were born into this hour for a purpose and your life has a divine assignment on it. However, your steps will mirror the pictures you look at most: (everything that is against you, or WHO is for you and what the plan is). “And do not be conformed to (the picture painted by) this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (to God’s spoken/written word.)…” Romans 12:2
Addressing the fear and obstacles…
2Timothy 1:7-19 For God has not given you the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord… Who has saved you, and called you with a holy calling (and assignment), not according to your works, but according to his own (good) purpose and grace…
Why has your countenance fallen? Why the tense muscles and tight jaw? Or why the battered look, like that of a dog, cowering? What have you been looking at, beloved????
Arise and radiate the glory of God who has called you out and set you apart. If you belong to Jesus, you are not like those without hope.
Isaiah 60:1-2 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross (spiritual) darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
I do not deny the danger or storms that challenge us, but obstacles do not negate our assignments or the final victory we have. Our assignments are not for our comfort but to give the lost one more opportunity to come to the wedding table, to miss hell, to kiss Love Himself, to warn that the bridge to eternity is out, that Jesus is the only way to God. Listen, a bathtub will not cross the Atlantic just because you have faith in it; but a ship will. Jesus is the Ship to God. Any other way is like a bathtub with holes...
Wherever you are positioned, beloved… you are to radiate the hope and love of the Father, and to operate as Christ’s body. Your assignment and stability require two things: 1) Intimacy with Christ 2) HEARING God’s Voice.
Both are affected by the state of your mind. (Matt 6:22-24, Prov 23:7, Rom 8:5-6, Rom 12:2)
A note on Hazards and Stability Jesus was our example … Mark 4:34-39 He heard His assignment, got in the boat and crossed over – storm or no storm. He was at peace, He had God’s word, and the storm couldn’t negate His assignment on the other side of the lake (in Mark 5 - the next chapter). Peace does not mean that everything outside is calm or easy. Peace means there is no war between God and you. You are with Him and He is with you. In this state, there is stability and ability to hear God’s guidance.
1. John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble (come against you). But take heart! I have (already) overcome the world.” (NIV) Thus you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you – even in the end of days. Amen.
2. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
3. John 20:21 Then Jesus said to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father has sent me, even so I send you.
4. Daniel 11:32 “… but the people that know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”
In conclusion…What are you looking at? Your navigation, stability, and success are directly affected by your perspective in relation to God’s word… Study out 1. Intimacy with God 2. Hearing God’s Voice
I have been trying to conclude this article for two months… and I cannot get away from the last 2 points:
1. For those who are saved, your assignment here is the shortest part of your existence, but it will affect someone else’s forever… throughout eternity… Share Jesus wherever your field is. (Do be waylaid into tunnel vision. Where your assignment is, provision is provided. Faith accesses the whole storeroom. Another subject for another time!
If you do not know if you belong to Jesus:
2. The hour has grown late in a world spinning into delusions, ani–Christ, and judgment. It is someone’s last hours – the decision of where you spend eternity can only be made while you are in a physical body. You are a spirit and are only passing through, here. Once, you leave the house of your body in the dust, your destiny is unchangeable. The door to God is lost behind you forever. Where is the door? Jesus said “I am the door.” That doorway is like a narrow gate, but it runs parallel to you your entire life! Death is the departure. The doorway ends. Did you choose to turn in the door?
John 10:7,9 Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door …If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved…” .
Any perception outside the Door is clouded - clouded by gross darkness. You have caught a glimpse of light from the house, beaconing out, beckoning you to turn in the door, where there is light, acceptance, belonging, purpose, and focus. Outside, in the dark, you keep tripping in the holes through life. This article was sent across your path; an opportunity, and warning that the bridge ahead is OUT… Turn right. Jesus is the door and the bridge to God. Let’s not guesswork or leave such weighty strings loose. Life is like an autumn leaf. In a sigh, it’s over.
Matthew 4:16-17
16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned."
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, (Turn)…"
How do I enter the door? Believe Jesus is the door and confess Him as your door.
Romans 10:9-13
9 “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
13 For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
(NKJ)
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