Thursday, July 12, 2012

Darkness Surrounds Us Now. What Do We Do?

Living in the world of prophecy (aka "reality") can be a dark place.


As most people go about their business just trying to scratch out a living and provide for a family, we, on the other hand, have an acute awareness of the massive seismic shifts which are taking place in the world today, as we see freedoms eroded throughout the world, increases in persecution, police state activities, threats of worldwide economic collapse and ensuing violence, an unconstitutional government, and basically - overall threats to our way of life - at least as we know it.

The world is a scary place right now, there can be no doubting that. The more you are immersed in the world of prophecy, the darker and more ominous it becomes. As stated before, we should expect such as we enter the Tribulation - it must be this way - and it is for this reason, I believe, that Jesus gave us the scriptures found in Luke 21:28-31, where on two occasions He informed us to be looking up for Him during these days - the days of "birthpains" which will lead to His coming.


Jesus knew we would be living in dark days and that we would be aware of such. He wants our focus to be on Him during these days, and more specifically, His return.


Recall the scriptures;



"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near"



"Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near."



But we should also look at the insight given to us by the Apostle Peter, which is very important for us during these last days:





"And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." (2 Peter 1:19)





Just think about that for a few minutes. We are surrounded by darkness are we not?



And in such darkness, we can use prophecy as a "shining light".



How could that be? How could the prophetic scriptures gives us light, when it involves nothing but bad news?



These two concepts don't make any sense unless you combine it with Jesus' teachings in Luke 21.



It is only the coming of Christ Jesus that can give us this "prophetic light" - while we live in the midst of nothing else but bad news.



There is nothing fundamentally "positive" or "light" in terms of the signs around us - famine, pestilence, warfare, earthquakes, persecution, rumors of war, tyranny, economic collapse etc etc... No, there is nothing uplifting or positive there - certainly not a "bright light".



Only Jesus' return for His bride can be found as a "shining light" as revealed to us through prophecy. Without this hope and promise, there would be no such light for us to follow.



So what does Peter tell us?



To "pay attention to it". The promises involved in prophecy.



And when we do this what happens? The "day dawns" and the "morning star" rises in our hearts. We are uplifted and elevated.



We have a far far better fate awaiting us, and it is so close you can almost feel it.



What did the Apostle Paul tell this generation?



"For God did not appoint us to suffer this wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ"



And our instructions?



"...to wait for his son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath"



So what if we have to endure hardships on this side of the gathering up - for some brief period? (I don't believe we will be here long enough to consider such hardships as being long-term)

What type of hardships could we face? Significant persecution? Economic collapse? False imprisonment? Death?



Then we would look at the model provided for us in the book of Acts, especially as seen in the 5th chapter. After being imprisoned and flogged, the apostle Peter exclaimed:



"We must obey God rather than men!" (v29) and later we see this important scripture,



"The apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." (v41-42)



It is hard to know what we may have to endure in the last days - prior to the gathering up.



I personally believe we will be taken up before a worldwide collapse takes place, and that appears to be coming soon.



But if we do have significant hardships to endure, we can then be overjoyed that the nearness of His return is even closer. That is worth repeating: we can then be overjoyed that the nearness of His return is even closer.



In the meantime we can still do His work on earth whole waiting expectantly for His coming.



If we are persecuted? Then we can be counted as "worthy" according to the Apostle Peter and we can consider ourselves as "blessed" - based on Jesus' very words as found in Matthew 5:11-12:



"Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven"



Regardless of what happens - the news is only good for a believer.



If we experience hardships and persecution for our beliefs, then we will be rewarded. If we are taken up before such hardships, then we will be in the arms of Jesus even sooner.



It's a "win-win". The news is all good. After all, the prophetic message for our day is like a "light shining in a dark place".



In the midst of this darkness, we look towards the light - we look to Jesus with great anticipation and joy. We will be in His presence soon, and all that we endured on this earth will have been worth it.



Maranatha - I'll see you when we get there - in the most joyous epic celebration ever imagined. Soon, brothers and sisters - soon.





34 comments:

Robin said...

Beautifully written, Scott . . .theres no doubt tonight's post was anointed!

God has promised our reward will be great . . .lets not lose sight of the glorious Wedding Feast.

GG said...

Thank you Brother Scott!!! You stated that so beautifully from the heart and all I can say is a BIG AMEN!!! Thanks as always for creating this wonderful ministry for us in these last days.

Colossians 1:9

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

God Bless!,

GG

Ally said...

: ) I sure hope im close enough to the front to watch you get crowned! Thank you for speaking and teaching truth!
Maranatha!

GG said...

Hi Scott-

I just posted something and it displayed it and then it poofed out, did that come through your main system??

Just checking to see if it showed up on your end :)

God Bless!!

GG

GG said...

In case it didn't Dear Brother, I just wanted to thank you for that beautifully written post. All I can give you is a BIG AMEN!! :)

Thank you as always for creating this wonderful ministry to help us have some wisdom and guidance in these last days.

Colossians 1:9

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

God Bless!!

GG

Scott said...

GG - thanks so much :)
Let me check in spam and see if it somwhow wound up there!

Ally - Thanks, but as I've said many times, put me in a room full of Christians, and all I can ever think is "I'm the worst of this lot!" I'm a sinner in need of a savior. Period. But thanks :)

Susan said...

What an encouraging post Scott! We see and feel the darkness growing around us, but prophecy does shine light in the darkness!

I've lost many nominal Christian friends over the last few years - over social, political, and moral issues. There does seem to be a growing divide between cultural Christians and those of us who believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired, inerrant, Word of God. Add to that those of us who believe that Israel has a right to their land, morals don't change, that satan is alive and well - well, we're labeled "fringe".

The number of new believers in the United States has seemed to slow to a trickle. I'm not sure if the (once) large numbers that are/were coming to Christ in foreign nations is still as large as it once was. It does seem like Christ is wrapping up the Church age. My siblings are becoming more antagonistic to the gospel, more steeped in their atheism. Are others seeing this too with their family and friends?

Anonymous said...

Scott, when I read Eph. 1, I am powerfully reminded that we have been by grace bought with a price and given a position with Messiah in heavenly places. He, as a man, overcame and was exalted to the right hand of God. He has ALL authority over ALL principalities, rulerships, names that are named. SO DO WE IN HIM. WE who believe are seated WITH Him. We have, by grace, HIS position and authority over ALL dominions, principalities and powers. The disciples KNEW this well and cast out demons, to their own amazement. So, we the called out ones, the kehela or church, are the body of Messiah, having authority over the demonic realm. It is the TRUE church that is holding back the devil in this world. The only way the demonic realm can fully rule, is when we who have authority OVER them, are taken out of the way. I also believe that we will never see the real bad stuff, not because we are simply to be spared it, but because it cannot fully BEGIN until the congrgation of God, the TRUE BELIEVING CHURCH is GONE, and we are not here to hold it back any longer.

Israeli Believer

Anonymous said...

very well said scott.

Mrs.C said...

Thank You Brother Scott!
Such a beautiful post from your heart, speaking His Truth and encouragement in these Last Days!
Thank you for your obedience to Him, that Blesses so many! The Holy Spirit often brings the reminder of Peter on the water, sinking when he focused on all the storms around him, but saved when his eyes looked up to our Precious Savior Jesus! His Promises to us are written in our hearts and Souls, they provide us the strength to finish this race. We are ALL to very Blessed! To know, that before the foundations of the Earth, He knew each one of us, He knew us while we were yet in our mothers womb! He knows each of our names, He allowed us to be born into this Generation, for this specific time, at the edge of all time! WOW!
He has great confidence in each and every one of us as to allow us the great privilege and Blessing to be here, to Witness for His Precious Son at this immense moment in all of time! We thank Him dear Brother, for your Faithful and True Service to Him. Thank you Brother, for saying yes to Him, with gratitude and humility in your heart.
Just as with the stresses and stumbles of a marathon race, the tiredness is at its peak right before the finish. We can see the finish line, which is the fulfillment of the Promise of our Beloved Bride Groom, who is at the door. Our Father is so very close to saying to Him, "Son, You may now go to get Your Bride" Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!
You share dear Brother Scott a commonality with Brother Hal that He once humbly spoke of. There will be many in Heaven that you have never met on this Earth, that will thank you for having led them to our beautiful Lord and Savior...
God Bless & Protect You & Yours Always Brother!

2 Timothy 4:7-8
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Scott said...

LOVE that verse from 2 Tim - and thanks again for the comments (Mrs C, Susuan, etc) --- and Israeli Believer - good points; I completely agree.....

DAN said...

Thanks Brother Scott, this was a wonderful post. How awesome to know we belong to God, that He sees us and He knows us. what a great and powerful reminder you have given us, Scott. That He is our hope through all this. Thanks Brother...one day you will meet the Lord and I have no doubt He will tell you "well done, thy good and faithful servant"...may we all press on and fight the good fight. God bless

WVBORN56 said...

Home run Scott! Thanks for the encouraging post.

Come Lord Jesus!

Anonymous said...

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by PRAYER and SUPPLICATION, with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God;
7. and the PEACE of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will GUARD your HEARTS and MINDS through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,
whatever things are TRUE,
whatever things [are] NOBLE,
whatever things [are] JUST,
whatever things [are] PURE,
whatever things [are] LOVELY,
whatever things are of GOOD REPORT,
if [there is] any VIRTUE
and if anything is PRAISEWORTHY
meditate on THESE THINGS.

9.The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me (Paul), THESE DO, and the GOD of PEACE will be with you.

2Chronicles 20:17 'You will not [need] to fight in this [battle]. Position yourselves, STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD, WHO IS WITH YOU…

<< >>

Anonymous said...

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT. Put on the WHOLE armour of God, that ye may be able to STAND against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Wherefore take unto you the WHOLE ARMOUR of GOD, that ye may be able to WITHSTAND in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND. STAND therefore, having your loins girt about with TRUTH, and having on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS. And your feet shod with the preparation of the GOSPEL of PEACE; Above all, taking the shield of FAITH, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD of GOD: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all PERSEVERANCE and SUPPLICATION for all saints…

Spiritual warfare is to STAND by FAITH. Spiritual warfare is NOT attacking. We are forbidden to address demons in words or in deeds. The battle belongs to THE LORD. Like David, we are to encourage ourselves in God. Always take God at His Word, He says what He means and means what He says. The darkness is in the world, we are not of the world, we are citizens of heaven, seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus where there is no darkness. Abide there in the LIGHT of the WORD, by FAITH.

<< >>

Anonymous said...

Scott; in case of any doubts, I am in agreement with your post - just backing you up with some extra TRUTH from the Word of God.

<< >>

Ally said...

Scott-Aren't we all? Lol!!!!!! Thats the point right? Not one worthy, our righteousness-just filthy rags! Except for the shedding of his blood, except for the grace of God......thats why I try hard not to get too uppity about it. Lol!

Ally said...

Hey anon-wow, you sure contradict yourself a lot! You tell us spiritual warfare is not fighting and to just hang outwearing your battle uniform. And at the same time, verse after verse tells us to pray constantly. I guess thats why people are prayer warriors. Have you even read the Book of Acts?
Not judging, just baffled. A double minded man accomplishes nothing. Though you fling a lot of verse around, I can never understand what you are getting at? Prayer is how we battle, and yes, after doing all we are able, we are to stand firm.
How do you suggest we handle a demon when we run across it? Stand there and look at it and hope it runs away? How are you supposed to cast ir out? Ever run across one? They don't play nice
I'm sticking with the Whole Word of God sister or brother. Not bits and pieces.
Our Israeli friend above expresses more my thoughts and beliefs on this, but don't be offended. I am unable to understand your contradictions. Or why you refuse to identify yourself?

Ally said...

Touche'! You know, the french word for exact strike, winning point etc. Shalom!

kelly said...

ally, please..I think it would be better not to start this again with anyone, regardless of what they are saying. We all remember what happened a few days ago...it was an ugly display. Lets move on. there was nothing wrong with what the person said above. Lets not forget...keep your eyes on the Lord!

Mrs.C said...

Hi Sister Kelly, :)
As it appears you are new, Welcome :) Forgive me, but dear Sister Ally does have a right to respond, doesnt she? just as we all do. A statement was made by an “anon” that Ally disagrees with.
I know Sister your not intentionally trying to speak for our dear Sister Ally, but perhaps you dont "see anything wrong" with what was said, but Sister Ally with her discernment does, and she has a right to comment right? Especially, that the subtle or not so subtle comments that were made that Ally is addressing, just happen to be the same subject matter that was used by an “anon” just early this week in a vicious attack against her. Interesting how that happens. Not talking about the other day, but a few days before. :)
Perhaps you missed these vile posts? These are the two different comment sections that contain these awful posts if you didn’t get a chance to view them. Perhaps this will help you Sister, understand Ally’s comments. 
My goodness, with all the fuss the other day, it would be nice if folks just used a name, wouldn’t it? As our Dear Brother WV requested, and suggested, that if folks would just use a name, it doesnt prevent or effect their anonymity, but does prevent much less confusion to our dear Brothers and Sisters here. As Brother WV said, it allows us to get to know each other, especially with so many apparent new folks commenting. :)

God Bless You Sister :)

Mrs.C said...

Thursday, July 5, 2012
Russia Makes Threats If Assad Ousted: Sending Arms To Iran

Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Daily Headlines

Anonymous said...

Mrs.C said...
AMEN BROTHER SCOTT!:)

Scott said...And please, whatever it was - lets don't bring it here. There is too much going on and the hour is too near to be distracted from watching the incredible signs right in front of us.

July 11, 2012 7:57 AM

just a reminder

Mrs.C said...

Anon (just reminder), and to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with? :) Which one? I know its not your intention to be part of sewing confusion. Different subjects than previously, explaining to new Sister Kelly, that Ally has a right to reply with a comment, to someone that just happened to be an "anon" . Scott is not offended by Ally’s comments, shes a dear Sister , and Scott is very much aware of what some "anons" tactics are. So many “anons” it causes confusion for everyone. Using a name, helps, lots of folks do, so we as Brother WV suggested, can get to know you and that other Brother and Sisters are not confused :)
Thank you so much for the "reminder" from Scott for everyone, (I know that was posted in His Love) its so disheartening that SOME "anons" continue to ignore Scotts request, and yet still “bring it here" under “anon” :( All Sister Ally did was just recognized that fact. Hoping for the best, time is so short! Look up! Look up!

God Bless!

Kelly said...

Hi Mrs. C...actually Im not new. Ive had the great pleasure of visiting Scott's site for many years now...Im quite aware of what s been going on... I just didnt want things to start up again like last time. As you stated, just as Ally has the right to state her opinion, so do others. I didnt say I agreed with the other person but I dont think there is anything wrong with him or her stating their opinions. Its just at this point..its redundant and pointless. Its doing nothing but sewing strife. As we all witnessed what happened with Mary B and her daughter. It saddened me you never even apologized to them. I think its best to just stop this "round and round" with people. I harbor no animosity with anyone, I think it just needs to be stopped...I think Scott's comment was directed at you as much to anyone. Much love, Kelly

Anonymous said...

Hi Scott, great job! Thanks for the encouragement. SY

Scott said...

Thanks SY :)

Anonymous said...

Ally
Why are you offended by God’s clear instruction to STAND? That’s very telling!

Mrs C
Discernment is to be able to compare SCRIPTURE with SCRIPTURE and recognise if a statement is based on subjective, personal experiences and feelings OR on the clearly stated objective word of God.

In other words, a lack of Doctrinal knowledge will result in ignorant and foolish remarks such as are all too often displayed by the few 'super-spiritual' on this site.

Nowhere in Scripture is there an example to verbally speak to the enemy in any way, shape or form – THAT is spiritualism and is FORBIDDEN.

Prayer is direct communication, by faith, to God The Father, through His Son Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Making our requests known to Him and that His will, not ours, be done.

To Test the spirits does NOT mean to name demons, or ‘tell them where to go’ (how can we, when we are instructed NOT to speak to them) Rather, it is to test the character and orthodoxy of any person (i.e. a human being) trying to influence a group with their ‘spiritualism’ claiming it is godly. More likely it is from ignorant flesh attempting to be ‘spiritual'. Rarely do demons become involved when their work is done for them by inept christians.

P.S. Ask Scott which Anon this is, he knows FULLY well who I am and it makes me wonder why he chooses not to share it with you. Beside which Mrs C, you have claimed frquently to know exactly who I am by the 'gifting' of the Holy Spirit'; strange you seem not to know, after all, who each and every really Anon is!!!

Kelly thank you for recognising that I wrote nothing untoward. I was responding to, and upholding, Scotts article.

Anonymous said...

To make sure it is clear. Testing the 'spirits' refers to HUMAN spirits and if they are basing their speech on SELF or Bible doctrine. (In context)

Anonymous said...

PPS 'Dominionism' is an end time heresey and those who practise it are 'hairy tics'. Dominionism/Latter Rain/'Shepherding'/ Seeker Sesnitive/ Purpose Driven/ Emergent ad infinitum is EXACTLY the apostasy Jesus said would occur - its a blight on the Church. Jesus wonders if He will find faith on the earth when He returns - I wonder the same judging by the phlegm that gets coughed up on here.

GREAT news section shame about the Apostate driven comments by the few.

Anonymous said...

Ally

FYI the Whole council of God involves Conviction of sin for Salvation plus God’s unfathomable GRACE, MERCY, PEACE, LOVE. Yet you prefer to dwell on demons, destruction, enemy attacks and various other detrimental that attack and destroy FAITH in JChrist Jesus who is Lord and fully in control of every little detail.
WHERE is your Faith?

Anonymous said...

This and the previous four Anon coments was from << >>

My mistake for ommiting << >>

It started out as (with evil eyes) but it didn't 'take'.

Why Mrs C, don't you also tell us who you really are (can 'stirrer' be spelt ctirrer?) We are no different to most bloggers here, are we.

From << >>

Anonymous said...

Scott

I apologise for freaking out.

Ally’s antagonistic comment, and Mrs C’s additional support (again) REALLY got my back up.

Lets face it, that was the intention and I am but a rotten sinner saved by the Grace of God and still have a l-o-n-g way to go to even half-way perfection.

Please listen in to the following link that every fellowship and individual should be made aware of. It should help explain my objections to certain beliefs so stridently pushed down our throats on what is supposed to be a News Blog (neutral?)

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are precious, but what is being rendered is not genuine in light of Scripture.

The Subtlety of Satan by Pastor James Murphy

http://fbjc.org/fbjc/sermons.php.

Anonymous said...

SORRY!!!

Above from << >>