Freedom House Church and Healing Centre

Hello Glorious Bride of Christ!!!

It's going to be a big week in the United States as they choose who will lead them for another 4 year term. No one can really predict what the outcome will be; there is so much chaos and confusion. Actually, there is a lot going on all over the world, with a massive earthquake in Turkey, killing of Christians in France, supermoons, hurricanes, political unrest everywhere, pandemic, deception, and the list goes on and on! There is great comfort and encouragement for the Bride of Christ, as we press in to hear the word of our Groom and Savior, "But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls." (Luke 21:18-19)

The word of God predicts terrible things for planet Earth and its inhabitants - Luke 21 is one of the many passages that lists some of these things. What stands out the most when I read about the things that are coming are the commands (yes! they are commands in the greek text) of Jesus on how to face and overcome the trials ahead. Here is a list I made up from Luke 21:

• "Watch out that you are not deceived" (vs. 8) - literally means, don't be led down the wrong path

• "Do not be frightened" (vs.9) - we are not under a spirit of fear, but have power and a sound mind to discern truth and know how to respond (2Tim. 1:7)

• "But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves". (vs.14) Settle it in your heart - decide that you are going to trust God to lead you, and tell you what to say when persecution comes.

• "By your patience possess your souls." (vs. 19) - the command is to "possess your soul"; how do you do that...by standing firm - literally remaining under any trial...persevering - "those who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matt. 24:13)

• "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near." (vs.20) - We are commanded to "know" about Jerusalem - It is God's prophetic timepiece - keep your eye on the land of Israel, and the city of Jerusalem

• "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (vs.28) - stand up and lift up your heads - keep looking for the return of Jesus! In other words...be ready to meet Jesus, to receive your full redemption - freedom from this world and everlasting life.

• "He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees." (v.29) - the parable is an illustration to keep looking for the signs that the kingdom of God is coming - we are to read the signs, discern the times, and know the season we are in.
  

• "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. (vs. 34) - "Be careful" means: Be on guard, pay close attention to, give yourself fully to - don't be distracted by the things of this world.

• “Watch therefore, and Pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (vs. 36)
  

Friends, this is a very helpful list to get us through any trial. The key is to keep our eyes on Jesus, be aware of the times we are in, and guard against being led astray. Stand firm by planting your feet firmly in the word of God, fellowshipping with other believers, and being led together by Holy Spirit. Stay close to Jesus!

The Apostle Paul gave us a clear method on how to stand firm in Ephesians 6:10-18. Put on the full armor of God and pray in the Spirit. I encourage you to read this passage, and memorize it so you can take your stand against that which is coming against the church.

Be blessed and encouraged, God is for us!

Mike

Jude 1:24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-- 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.