They Will Be Delivered

They Will Be Delivered

“If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:22 NIV

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” Daniel 12:1 NIV

We’re in, “that time,” foretold by God. Distress unlike ever before is happening​ all around us in every nation, and it’s getting worse. Man is completely destroying himself. But he’s not doing it alone:

“We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19 NLT

“Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon-the ancient serpent called the devil, or SATAN, THE ONE DECEIVING THE WHOLE WORLD-was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.” Revelation 12:7-9 NLT

These evil spirits are hugely responsible for mankind’s demise. They have tricked people into believing they are everything from ghosts, to gods, to aliens from a faraway galaxy here to help mankind. And they only come to annihilate them. This has all been foretold by God; written down in His word. Man is also to blame for what’s happening to him and his world because he has rejected God his creator.

WHO WILL BE DELIVERED

Who will be delivered from this worldwide holocaust? “Everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” (Daniel 12:1 NIV) There are things that are going on around the world that if you told someone what was really happening they would laugh at you and call you crazy. But for those of us who believe God it’s not so surprising to us. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 24 just how bad things would be in our time. And, “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:22 NIV) We know from studying the Bible that man would be in the process of self-destruction right before Jesus’ return. But for the sake of His elect (his chosen ones) God would cut those days short (bring the whole world to an end).

There is nothing new under the sun. We’re not the only ones who have books or record data. God has books too. Listen to what these verses say about God’s Book Of Life and His Book Of Remembrance.

“All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.” Revelation 3:5 NLT

“Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15 NIV

“The 70 disciples came back and joyously reported, “Lord, even the demons are submitting to us in your name!” He told them, “I watched Satan falling from heaven like lightning. Look! I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to destroy all the enemy’s power, and nothing will ever hurt you. However, stop rejoicing because the spirits are submitting to you. Instead, rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20 ISV

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it , and a BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE was written before him for them that feared the Lord , and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Malachi 3:16-17 KJV

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19 KJV

“The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” Revelation 17:8 KJV

“And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made.” Revelation 13:8 NLT

Believers in God through Jesus Christ are set for life (eternity)! Their names are written in The Book Of Life and God’s Book Of Remembrance. If you are one of these hold on to your faith and keep growing in love. Let God continue to transform you into the image of His son. We will all be together soon with our heavenly Father and our entire family.

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, WHOSE NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:22-24 NIV

Here on Earth things will continue to get worse. Worship of the beast will be imposed on everyone. But God’s true children won’t do it. They worship only God. They will pass the same test their master Jesus did when tempted by the Devil:

“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” Matthew 4:8-10 NIV

Worship of the beast is tantamount to worshipping Satan:

“People worshiped the dragon [Satan] because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” Revelation 13:4 NIV

Refusing to worship the beast will bring persecution. Just know that whatever happens we can trust God’s words that says:

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—EVERYONE WHOSE NAME IS FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK—WILL BE DELIVERED.” Daniel 12:1 NIV

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Rolling Stones

 

Rolling Stones

“Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” Proverbs 26:27 KJV

I’ve seen the above verse come true: people setting traps for others that they themselves fall into. They justify their behavior saying they’re getting revenge for an offense done to them. Some of these offenses are so small or just made up. Jesus said in the last days many would get offended:

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Matthew 24:10 KJV

The Greek word for “offended” in Matthew 24:10 means to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way of others to trip them up and cause them to fall. It could be anything from trying to provoke you to anger, to enticing you to sin, or trying to turn you from your faith. It also means to have great displeasure for another and refuse to acknowledge their authority. This, “I’m easily offended,” attitude we see today is part of the sign Jesus said would mark the last days right before His return.

Wicked people get a sick thrill and sense of empowerment from tripping folks up. But wait, they did not stop to consider Proverbs 26:27, which says they will fall into the same pits they dig for everyone else. The thing about a trap is you don’t know that you’re in one usually until it’s too late. When it comes to the deep pitfalls of life only God can set you free. Those who love to ensnare others don’t get such rescues. Hence they are doomed. This reminds me of another passage:

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7 NIV

In this, “I’m so easily offended,” world we live in there are many mockers. But the scriptures say that God cannot be mocked. Basically they won’t be successful at their mockery. There will be severe consequences to pay if they do not repent. Let’s say I’m a person who mocked God and His people all my life, only to meet Him one day face to face (SURPRISE). Then I’m thrown into a furnace of fire where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Would you say I was successful at mocking God?

“The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that OFFEND, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:41-42 KJV

WHEN STONES ROLL YOUR WAY

“If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15 NLT

Let’s talk about one of Jesus’ commandments that’s sometimes hard but must be obeyed.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 NLT

Wow! As a new believer this is sometimes hard to digest (even as an older one). But as time goes by and you do what Jesus says even when you (your flesh) don’t want to, you discover the power of obeying Jesus’ command to love your enemies. You then conquer evil. It no longer conquers you. You now truly are living as God’s child, walking in victory, perfectly walking in love, even as your heavenly Father is perfect. Love is omnipotent. GOD IS LOVE! (1 John 4:8) Nothing can conquer Love! When we love this way as Jesus says we have crucified the flesh, died with Christ, and have been raised to life with Him. We have become like the one who when nailed on the cross said:

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 NLT

Instead of harboring bitterness, anger, and resentment like our adversaries we live by the Spirit:

“The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, FOREBEARANCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:22-26 NIV

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NLT

“Therefore, since the Messiah suffered in a mortal body, you, too, must arm yourselves with the same determination, because the person who has suffered in a mortal body has stopped sinning, so that he can live the rest of his mortal life guided, not by human desires, but by the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2 ISV

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You Are The True Heirs Of The Kingdom

You Are The True Heirs Of The Kingdom

“In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” Daniel 2:44 NIV

“To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, To them I will give authority over all the nations. They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots. They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star! “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” Revelation 2:26-29 NLT

“He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time. “ ‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.” Daniel 7:25-27 NIV

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For IT GIVES YOUR FATHER GREAT HAPPINESS TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM.” Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Luke 12:29-34 NLT

How blessed you are; you who truly believe in God through Jesus Christ, and obey His commands. The Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. There are many weird teachings out there people believe in regarding eternal life in an eternal kingdom. They’re all rubbish. God has given you; only His chosen children, all the kingdoms of the world. You are His heirs, joint heirs with Christ.

“For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” Romans 8:16-17 NLT

This is why you are persecuted so much. The demons know who you are and what you have, and that they will never own it. Through their human minions they attack you, and offer you crumbs, trinkets in this world, hoping you will grow weary and give up your inheritance. But as Jesus said you don’t have to worry about anything. God will provide all your needs. As an heir to His (and your) everlasting kingdom you are richer than you could ever imagine. Your Father is the wealthiest, most powerful person in the universe. We truly mustn’t worry about nothing. It is an insult to our heavenly Father.

Hold on tightly to what you have Jesus says. Every trial we face in this life doesn’t even compare to the glory God has given us:

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 KJV

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Shun Evil

Shun Evil

“Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless-a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” Job 1:8 NLT

If you are a person of integrity like Job you too shun evil. But that does not mean you won’t be confronted by it. If you are a believer in God evil notices you, desires you, and finds you. Evil constantly lays traps for you hoping you will take the bait and get ensnared. Evil wants to destroy you and your relationship with God. Let’s get some encouragement on how to fight back and keep on shunning evil.

THE FLESH IS WEAK

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38 NIV

Jesus; the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), says we must, “Watch and pray,” so as not to be engulfed by temptation. The meaning of the word, “Watch,” here means to give strict attention to, to be cautious, active, to keep awake. So we must keep strict watch of ourselves when it comes to temptations. But that’s not all. Jesus also said we must pray. All the diligence in the world won’t help us if we don’t pray regarding temptation. Jesus tells us why: “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38 NIV) The Holy Spirit is powerful enough to handle any and all temptations. But our flesh is miserably weak. One of the first steps to overcoming evil is realizing this fact; acknowledging how weak we are, and how much we need God’s help. Pray earnestly as Jesus said not to fall into temptation.

REAL LIFE SCENARIO

Let’s look at a real life scenario of shunning evil. Our brother enjoys going to a particular restaurant on his off day to unwind. There he studies and meditates on God’s word using his Bible apps on his cell phone. The atmosphere there is quiet and conducive to this. It is not long before Satan comes in the form of a female who pretends to be a believer like our brother. They talk about the scriptures, and seem to be having a good time encouraging one another. They meet at this restaurant a few times and discuss the word of God. Then our supposed sister suddenly makes her move. She uses the old damsel in distress routine to see just how much our brother is into her. She hints that she’s having financial trouble. Our brother doesn’t pay much attention to this because frankly it sounds just like the old damsel in distress routine. Later the same day the sister calls our brother on the phone and tries to force him to give her some money. Her tone is completely different from when they were discussing the scriptures. She keeps asking him for the money. She then tells our brother in a stern, angry voice that if she doesn’t get the money her phone will be turned off that same day (they won’t be able to talk). After she realizes he’s not going to give it to her she hangs up. This is someone our brother met only a week ago and had a few Bible discussions with at a restaurant. What made her feel she was entitled to his money? Our brother couldn’t stop thanking God and rejoicing after the lady hung up the phone because God had answered his prayer by revealing to him who this person really was. This was not the Christian she pretended to be. This was one of Satan’s drama queens sent on a mission to take down our brother.

You think the Devil stopped there? Of course not. The next morning the woman kept texting and calling our brother to meet her at the restaurant for a cup of coffee (this time her treat of course hah hah) as if nothing ever happened. But wait, I thought her phone was supposed to be turned off by now? I guess she got the money from somewhere else, or she was just lying in the first place to get some money. Anyways our brother ignored her texts, calls, and voicemails. Why? Because the scriptures say:

“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who CLAIMS TO BE A BROTHER OR SISTER but is sexually immoral or GREEDY, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or SWINDLER. DO NOT EVEN EAT WITH SUCH PEOPLE. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 NIV

The Bible also says to shun those who:

“THEY WILL ACT RELIGIOUS, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE LIKE THAT” 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

KEEP SHUNNING EVIL

About a week later our brother was in his restaurant spot meditating on the word of God when that same woman pulled up in her car. As she was about to come in our brother was making an exit through another door, avoiding her altogether. Some would say, “That’s stupid, he’s in a public place, he paid his money, he has a right to be there just as much as she does.” But our brother would say that he decided to SHUN EVIL. He would say he knows from past experiences the drama this type of person is capable of causing. Hence he chose to avoid it. Our brother enjoys his peace much more than demanding his rights. He believes he was obeying God by leaving the restaurant when that woman arrived. And that he was protected from who knows what kind of drama she may have caused.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” Proverbs 3:7 NIV

SHUN CERTAIN PEOPLE

The Bible is filled with scriptures telling us to avoid certain kinds of people. Here’s a couple:

“Make no friendship with an angry man [woman]; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” Proverbs 22:24-25 KJV

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Romans 16:17-18 NIV

You are obeying God when you shun evil, and that includes evil people who are out to harm you. Some people love drama, they run to it. But the wise hate mess and run away from it.

Our brother decided to stop going to that restaurant, yes, all because of that woman. That’s his choice. He strongly believes he knows what kind of person this is and the potential danger she poses. When God says shun evil, shun it. Don’t arrogantly try to battle evil in your own strength demanding your rights. You will lose. Sometimes the battle plan of God is to walk away from a situation, even RUN AWAY from it! Here’s one:

“RUN FROM sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18 NLT

Running away doesn’t always make you a coward.

Remember, though you may be a person of integrity like Job which means you shun evil, that doesn’t mean evil won’t find you. But when it does pray, and always be on the watch. The Holy Spirit is very willing to help us where we are weak, and to keep shunning evil.

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