Doubt not in the ability of the spirit of this world to draw nations into a financial abyss
And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie. ( II Thessalonians 2:11 NKJV ) As sand from the figurative hour glass ( as referred to in the title of this website ) steadily flows towards the end of time, so to is there sadly a spiritual erosion in the hearts and minds of souls everywhere towards the belief that because the spirit of this world seems in control the sovereign existence of God in Christ therefore no longer seems relevent. Consequently, to be spiritually pro-active regarding such concerns is not just to study Gods word, and even share our living faith with others ( as important as both are ), but it is also in realizing that ones spiritual motivation comes from the personal belief and spiritual knowledge that Christ, at Calvary, has already won the battle over such darkness. ( positional truth )
The influence of the spirits of this world ( and their hosts in seats of power ) seem to be ever more convincingly capable of deceiving the masses ( America ? ) all the while as they operate in an unintreatable, intolerant mindset that ironically many nonbelievers unfairly associate with christians. And though most believers in Christ know by which spirit these ones operate they nonetheless still possess a zeal to not only have their way(s) followed, but the blindness by which they operate suggests they believe their earthly salvation ( for lack of a better term ) is dependent on their willingness and ability to achieve their goals. The absurdity of it all are when these political types advocate economic policies where the resulting stagnation deprives citizens who need to work as well as those who want to work the opportunity to do so, and thus resist becoming wards of the government that by the way despite a deficit spending habit that will effect generations to come nonetheless seeks for its citizenry to become such wards ! All this is being done we are led to believe in an attempt to mandate fairness which is not much different than attempting to legislate morality.
In the third epistle of the apostle John verses 2 and 3 say, ” Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth”. The word translated prosper ” euodousthai ” means to have a good and safe journey throughout ones life. The second verse mentioned here is important in that it emphasizes the important role truth plays in our lifes whether that be doctrinal truth, or truth that guides our every day practical earthly existence. Truth that can cause our soul to prosper ( verse 2 ) has much to do with spiritually and mindfully accessing in Christ the grace by which we stand ( Romans 5:2 ); whereas truth in order to influence this fallen world begins not only with preaching Christ and His desire to save the lost, but also in communicating practical truth in order to disprove and contradict the evil realms bold multifaceted methods that attempt to make the lies of this world seem true.
In the aftermath of Korahs rebellion ( as referred to in Numbers 16 of the previous devotional ) the Lord seeks to affirm Moses and Aarons spiritual leadership by arranging for Moses to acquire one rod from each of the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel which included Aaron as the representative of the tribe of Levi. Each rod was then placed in the tabernacle for a night and on the next day only Aarons rod sprouted and put forth buds, blossoms, and ripe almonds. For ultimately what Korahs rebellion revealed were the motives within his, and his followers hearts. On the other hand the budding of Aarons rod ,while proof of Gods resurrection life to all who were witnesses ,to us who believe in Christ though it is a witness of the resurrection life within, that gives us the victory and hope from above , because of the truth of His words regarding this life we have come to know.
O.N.RIDER is seminary educated and living in Baltimore MD
Personal encouragement: Read more books rather than watching to much television !
All devotionals of The Hour Glass by O.N.Rider can be found at http://bc3f86.wordpress.com/
