Brothers and sisters in Christ, if there were ever a time to pray that time is now. We see prophecy unfolding before our very eyes. Every day is one step closer to the Great Tribulation. Worldwide countries are implementing more and more rules in order to prepare people for the coming new world order. There is no coincidence this is happening at a time such as this. The Bible warned us these days would come and we are now seeing them on our doorstep. No longer can people ignore the massive changes that have been brought about using the pandemic as a platform for change.

All that being said, the most important thing we can do at this time is pray. Pray for our unsaved loved ones. Pray for our leaders that have allowed themselves to be blinded by greed, power and many other things. Pray for our children and grandchildren. Pray for those in ministry. Pray for wisdom. Pray for discernment. Pray for the body of Christ all over the world.

Along with prayer, we must keep ourselves in the word of God. Daily. There is no replacement for allowing the word of God to feed us spiritually. Less television. Less news. Less activities that will not bring about any growth. We need to be strong in the Lord for the days ahead. We are not to lay in bed with the blankets pulled over our head and wait on Christ’s appearance. We need to be abiding in Christ as we fulfill the purposes He has called us to do.

If you’ve been waiting to share the gospel with someone, share it now. If you’ve felt lead to get involved in some type of ministry that would allow you to serve the Lord, do it now. Stop waiting for things to go back to normal. The future is never going to be the same as our old “normal.”

Run the race that Christ has set before you. Let go of any bitterness or malice. Let go of any unforgiveness. Don’t allow old Slewfoot to distract you with things that will keep you from accomplishing what the Lord has called you to do. Apostle Paul warned us of these days. 2 Timothy chapter 3 was written for days just like this. Take heart and listen to his words to Timothy.

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.  They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.  (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)  These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith.  But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.

But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance.  You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it.  Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.  You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.

Doesn’t this sound familiar? Corruption, deception and evil flourishing? You don’t have to look far to see all of the above. However, I love how Paul finishes here with just how we are to go through the days ahead. Remain faithful to the things you have been taught! Know the Scriptures as they give you wisdom that lead to salvation and they teach us what is true and where we may be going wrong in our lives. The Scriptures correct us and teach us to do what is right and God will use it to prepare and equip His people for every good work. That is the format! That is why it is imperative we stay in the Word of God. Daily.

So as we navigate through 2021 and wait on our Blessed Hope of Christ’s appearance to take us home, pray more. Keep an open line of communication with our Father. Spend time in the Scriptures for all the reasons Paul gave us! Do every good work that God sets before you. Stay about your Father’s business while we wait on His Son to call us home.

Be blessed!