In These Times, Be Persistent

      These are indeed dangerous and equally interesting times to be a child of God. The Scriptures had spoken about times like this, with many examples, and ways to live a life of triumph over the shenanigans of the devil and his agents spread over all facets of life. With all manner of philosophies and teachings sweeping across the land, we were warned: "Beware that no one distracts you or intimidates you in their attempt to lead you away from Christ’s fullness by pretending to be full of wisdom when they’re filled with endless arguments of human logic. For they operate with humanistic and clouded judgments based on the mindset of this world system, and not the anointed truths of the Anointed One" (Colossians 2:8, TPT). 

       The danger of not adhering to the instruction is to be persuaded by 'right-sounding nonsense' that pushes you from standing in the surety of the truth of God's Word. So many are truly called of God and they believe they are serving God truthfully, however, a Scripture that should make us examine our hearts daily so as not to be deceived at the end is: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into heaven’s kingdom. It is only those who persist in doing the will of my heavenly Father. On the day of judgment many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, don’t you remember us? Didn’t we prophesy in your name? Didn’t we cast out demons and do many miracles in your name?’ But I will have to say to them, ‘Go away from me, you lawless rebels! I’ve never been joined to you!’" (Matthew 7:21-23, TPT). 

          Beloved, these are times we must be persistent in our fellowship with the LORD Jesus Christ. As we do this, we will be firmly joined to Him; and no clever teaching of hell will shake us from this position in Him. God is not just seeking those that will serve Him in truth and spirit, but these must be consistent and persist in their service and worship of Him. Sadly, we live in times when this is quite difficult to do. the same ploy that was used on the woman that made her and the man fall is what the enemy has deployed in these times. Everything that the enemy presents to God's children and the rest of mankind is that sin looks delightful, innocent, and will make one acceptable, and even move forward in a world that looks like you need the help of men to move forward and upward! 

           However, God's Word and standard remain the same, and forever it is settled in Heaven. He is Holy, and all that must come to and remain in Him must be holy! This standard had not changed, Beloved: "...And pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14b, AMPC). 

            The fact that God called you, and blessed you in every way, if you do not walk according to His instruction, Beloved, Heaven is not sure. It cost nothing to God, to consistently bless you; make every promise to you come to pass, but if you refuse to walk persistently in His Word, it will all be for nothing in the end. After all: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life [in the eternal kingdom of God]? For what can a man give as an exchange (a compensation, a ransom, in return) for his [blessed] life [in the eternal kingdom of God]" (Mark 8:36-37, AMPC)? 

          Jehu, one of the kings of Israel did not choose himself, nor did he covet the throne. He was a commander in the army, but God chose and anointed him to be king over Israel to replace and bring judgment upon the house of Ahab (the most wicked king that ruled Israel)! After he carried out all the instructions, God told him: "And the Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in doing what is right in My sight, and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation” (II Kings 10:30 NKJV). 

        God's Word came to pass concerning him. However, he failed in his walk with God, making the nation of Israel lose her territories to her enemies: "Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart. He did not turn from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit" (2 Kings 10:31, HCSB). He was not persistent in his walk with the LORD. Sadly, he was sincerely wrong despite his accomplishments and God's promises over his life. 

       Beloved, you may claim not to bow to other gods, but are you persistent in your walk with God? Or you slap the name of God on ungodly things to make them easy for you to follow, thereby disobeying God? The return of our LORD Jesus Christ is here; clean up your heart and walk worthy of Him so that the statement of Him not knowing you will not be your portion! God bless you as you look again into the perfect Word of God and reassess your stand with Him!