Defining moments have shifted the world so that radical changes are necessary. As Thomas Paine once said concerning his day, “these are times that try men’s souls.” The challenges of our times will either bring the best or the worse out of us. It all depends on the dominant features that identify our character as to which will manifest. We were born for such a time as this and all of the past experiences have brought us to this very moment. Yet, we are not alone…God has and continues to speak clearly as His message continues to resonate from the days of old addressing each phase of man’s existence. Nothing happens without a cause and a clear message directing us to rightly address the cause if we can rightly interpret the message. Our souls are on trial in order to weigh the measure of Truth contained within each of us. If any individual is oriented more in the direction of the lie propagated by the spirit of this age and world system, his mind, will, and emotions will be judged in favor of the prevailing view. But if the Truth has registered deep within his heart, he will see that the development of the temporal will perish when the spiritual awakening occurs.

We don’t have to mention every event occurring today in order to prove that the world is rapidly changing. These major shifts in activities continue to lead towards a shift in policies. Government is busy trying to keep up with changes while there is no law to blanket each and every change. The long lines at the airport security checkpoints, posters prohibiting and allowing firearms, selective anti-discrimination laws, selective restrictions on free speech, and the list goes on…The cycle of less government while creating a police state is the contradiction of a nation excluding God from its equation while attempting to remain religious. Even the anti-religious practice their religion of atheism and humanism, which are extended forms of self-worship. The endless cycle of man trying to find himself by himself while searching merely inside of himself increases the frustration while proving, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.” Romans 7:18

The efforts of the past have led to deeper levels of frustration. None of the things sought after could produce satisfaction and contentment. The spiritual gurus have produced a false sense of security among those who believe their false promises of success and contentment void of the struggle for a righteous standard. Even where the gifts of the Spirit have manifested, many have remained deficient in pursuing deeper levels of spiritual intimacy with God. God says to them, “you have used My power in order to attain your personal glory, but I do not know you.”

True contentment is of the utmost importance and can only occur through a spiritual awakening. As we enter into the year 2015, our primary challenge to the Church is to awaken righteousness and rise victoriously. The world is in need of what the God offers through His Church, not the compromised congregations that have already succumbed to the pressures of conformity by viewing His precious Word through the jaundiced eyes of self-serving interests. But rather, a people willing to live, and if necessary, die for a standard that must be raised if the succeeding generations are ever to know and live the truth. Yes, these are the times that try men’s souls. The loyalty of true soldiers is being proven while the summertime soldiers are waiting for a convenient time to engage in battle. As we take our positions and guard our posts, let the spiritually awakened sound the alarm so that all others may prepare for the battle for the soul of this generation. The flesh, the world, and devil believe that we have lost this one, but in time, we will prove them wrong!