Meditation: September 14

“For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.” Ezekiel 36:24

People who are in exile are a people removed from their place. We see Israel being scattered among the nations and some taking on the character of the nations where they had been forced to occupy. Sin does not ask for our permission, but imposes its character upon those who occupy its territory. A culture of sin produces a people who readily adapt to the environment. It is then difficult for them to remember what God’s original intentions were for their lives. They merely see what others are doing and seemingly enjoying and adjust to their standard of living. But God stands up and makes His Presence known among them. He lets them know that even though they are in a strange place, Israel still carries His name. When His name is hallowed among the nations and a difference is made known by them to the other inhabitants, then deliverance will come. God will bring them into their own land. He is says to us, are we to represent Jesus where we are. Should He only be honored in Church? What about the workplace? The places where His name is profaned require a people who would stand up for Him there. We deny Him when we are in strategic places and are ashamed of the gospel and acquiesce to the lifestyle of others. We must stand up and stand for righteousness regardless of what price we may have to pay. God will then deliver us into our own place of promise if we are willing to take a stand for Him right here.

March 2015 Article: “Changing Times and Law”

Daniel 7:25 “He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.”

“Times have changed, so you might as well get on board with it.”
“This is a new day; people to do not think nor feel that way anymore.”

These sentiments, along with many others, are all too familiar phrases that have become the conversation of our times. Timeless truths have become archaic and replaced with jargon that often embarrasses weak individuals into a position of compromise. No longer is it considered cursing to blatantly use God’s name in vain; in fact, God or Jesus are names that are edited out while profanity is proudly and openly pronounced. Daniel prophetically viewed this day long before we entered into it. People speak pompous words while finite man matches his wits against the infinite God. A theory based upon an experiment in pursuit of relative information holds a tighter grip over the minds of students attending institutions of higher learning. Things must make sense to the person before they can be given any consideration. These occurrences are not merely coincidental, but a part of the strategic plan of God’s enemy, Satan. When the profane is legislated into law and ratified by those who are in power, there is no question as to whether those who agree threaten God to show His hand and question whether He still has the power to do so. Pompous words are full of pretense and the false projection of having the answers to every question and knowing everything there is to know. The proud hide behind their language and their ignorance is camouflaged by their abilities to express their futilities.

“They shall persecute the saints of the Most High.” This is the message to the saints regarding the lifestyle they have chosen. Those who contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints stand in the way of their preferences. Unfortunately, many have not merely chosen the life that they live, but rather, know no other way. These are the children of the children of disobedience that grew up in an environment of rebellion. Believe it or not, the saints are being persecuted today. They are being silenced locally, even in Egypt where 21 were recently beheaded and arrested as hatemongers for rebuking sinful acts. Although the persecution has intensified over time, it has gone unnoticed by many who refuse to engage in any controversy. They play it safe by merely saying what people wish to hear and entertaining the crowd. In Northern Nigeria, the Middle East, and many other regions, religious persecution is dominating the headlines of the news. This is that day where the Word of God must be preached even in an unpopular season. The cost of discipleship requires self-denial and taking up a cross of conflict and the spiritual sensitivity to fully follow the Lord Jesus Christ in His mission.

‘But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever. (27) Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’ Daniel 7:26-27

God will have the final word! He will unseat those who presently reign in life and establish His rule among the people of the earth, and His reign shall be forever and His kingdom an everlasting kingdom! Do not be deceived by appearances. God will not be silent as His opposition is now giving voice to their opinions.