THE SECRET PLACE
Abiding under the shadow of the Almighty
PART 49
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE III

I hope we do not take His presence for granted and that our religious knowledge does not drown our sensitivity of this revelation. This infinite holy reality that I am referring to is the reverential fear of who God is. It is called “fear” on purpose because there is not a word that can better describe an appropriate human approach toward an eternal, omnipotent deity. Why do we not reverence Him more? Because we have spent most of our life on the outside looking into His presence. If we could ever spend two (uninterrupted) minutes at His throne, we would know much more about His majesty and a lifetime about humility. Have you ever noticed someone talking about God like He was a million miles away? There are many things people say that they would never say to His face. Selah.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about “the Christians greatest need” and we settled on the subject of maturity. If we could symbolize maturity as a type of “tree” we can become a little more intense with our imagination and envision one of its main branches as reverential fear. We can confidently say that one enhances the other in whichever way we desire to define them. They both can be recognized within a Christian that has taken their representation of Christ to the highest level.
I was speaking with a person the other day and was saddened by the negative statements about how the Bible was filled with errors because of the inaccuracy of humans. They are convinced that God originally inspired His chosen ones to write His Word and then completely turned it over to the “safe-keeping”, direction and interpretation of mortal men. Allow me to say that if God had just given His “perfect” absolute truth to the natural intelligence of scholars, (which many times is a pitiful ignorance), it would have never lasted through the first century. Yes it is true that men have made a mess out of several translation attempts and we also know that people with good intentions can ruin the concept of scriptural meaning – however, men cannot destroy God’s Word or contaminate HIS pure Word just like they cannot ruin God’s church. Like many things in life, there are originals and there are copies or fakes of the originals. God’s Word is highly guarded by His own Omniscience and is preserved for those who all who diligently seek Him. He has given freewill for whosoever chooses to follow a lie, but that does not mean He is not protecting His conclusive and unblemished Word. His Word is who He is and though men can distort His image that does not mean they can change who He is. Selah. There are many very serious problems associated with this world-view and right from the beginning we can discern this observation (whether people realize it or not) stems from a belief system that is heavily influenced from the devil called deism. We might as well prepare now for the future flood of lies that are connected to the new modern ideas of deism. The Bible is being dissected every day and is being chipped away piece by piece until the secular philosopher will leave nothing that can be identified. This is high on Satan’s list of “things to do” and it is for the purpose of causing DOUBT in the hearts of ALL people. If God and His Word can be doubted even in the smallest way, He is of no consideration as a dependable source of absolute truth! Selah. The devils strategy is to reduce God and His Word to a THEORY and force it to get in line with all of the other ideas that claim to bring freedom to the mind and soul. This is a twisted distortion that has the intention to present the blood of Jesus Christ as an optional “therapy” instead of the ONLY power in heaven and earth that can forgive sin and transform a spirit. Satan knows there is no other covenant in the universe that can save a soul from hell or redeem and ransom a spirit into eternal life!
Deism is a conception that perceives God as a (long distance) divine creator of heaven and earth but has since remained detached from His creation. This view believes that man is on his own to find his way without any supernatural assistance or divine revelation. This doctrine further believes the accomplishments or failures of the human race are based on man’s mental and physical abilities. This idea is laced with the notion that man should be given his share of glory and honor for his wonderful achievements which is saturated in arrogance and narcissism. Let it be said to the so-called scholars of the world; God is far more wise than to allow man to oversee something that is not only so powerful and ultimately life changing but also has a direct connection to everyone’s eternal destiny. If God did not intervene in the affairs of humans we would not be able to experience His presence and anyone that has been aware of Him and felt His power knows that we can have as much of Him here on earth as we desire. Those who have never known His presence and do not believe that we can experience Him now – needs to be born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit! Can we all say amen together?
How can we prepare for the future? Well, at this place and time I am not going to continue to write about what I think is going to happen all around us. There are many good prophecy teachers that can explain the sequence of events and of course there is also much speculation about what might happen. I have my own ideas of possibilities and most of the time they are so negative that I keep them to myself. I admit I am concerned and even worried about what I will do and how I will be able to lead others in that time of distress. I realize that my faith is not at the level it should be and a lot of that is because of two reasons; like we said before we have not had to really BELIEVE for our existence. We have been born with a golden spoon in our mouth and have been very blessed to always have everything we need. The other reason is our lack of diligence to develop a fervent prayer life. I do not mean praying at the dinner table or at special events – I am talking about making a prayer list and spending a considerable amount of time each day interceding for those in need. We hear about mountain moving faith but we do not think about what kind of prayer life is associated with this level of faith. In fact, I believe we could measure our level of faith with the intensity of our prayer life. If we do not pray that much why in the world would we need or desire faith? Selah.

. In first Thessalonians chapter 5 verses 5-6 we read, “You are the children of light and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of the darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” We yawn while reading the paper or watching the news about worldwide suffering but do not want to imagine the shock of our personal life experiencing these trials. I have never had a day in my life where I did not have all that I could eat. I have never been destitute with no home or vehicle or money. I have always had pretty much everything I need and want and I praise God for that. For me to think seriously about what it would be like to not have all of the conveniences that bring us comfort and pleasure causes a short-circuit in my brain. As for preparing for an economic meltdown, it is clear to see that I would be considered a person that would be in trouble. I am not going to sit here and act like I could blend right in with everyday survival mentality without going through the stress and shock of losing my old life. Can you imagine what life would be like without electricity or water? Even if we had a stockpile of food and water, what would be our next move when we ran out of everything? Can you picture you and your family sitting around day and night in isolation because it is too dangerous to venture outside? What the fear of gangs breaking in and attacking your home because they want your food and shelter? Sure I have guns, I actually have my carry and conceal permit but am I ready to start killing people because I do not want to give up my Vienna sausages? I don’t know if this is the attitude that Jesus would have. Would Jesus kill someone if they were breaking in on him to steal His food? I don’t know. I can say that my attitude right now is that I would need to shoot anyone trying to cause harm to me and my family. The idea of self-defense is legitimate and I see nothing spiritually wrong with protecting oneself. In fact, I feel it is my responsibility to protect my wife from harm and to protect my property but to be gut level honest the question I have is; am I mentally and spiritually prepared for this? Maybe not. Why? Because I am so busy trying to live the dream of this old life, I am not thinking or preparing for the future.
Maybe I am being soft because I am reluctant to face reality. I am content to come home from work to a luxurious home and a beautiful wife. I am enjoying delicious meals, watching my big screen and driving my new Cadillac. I do not really want to let go of the things I have worked for even though I realize my lifestyle has created a “satisfaction” within me. However, it is the danger of this contentment that worries me. I do not feel that any of us have been wrong to enjoy the blessings of God because I believe He loves to see His children enjoy the fruits of their labor. But, we all know what prosperity can do to our mind and how vulnerable we are when our flesh dictates our life. Is anyone out there like me? Have you been spoiled with being cozy in your comfort zone with so many good things in your life that you would have a difficult time walking away from them? I am being completely honest because I believe it is a good first step toward change. We must see our weaknesses and the reasons behind our emotions in order to make plans to readjust our thinking. Preparing for the future is definitely going to require a transformation in our conscience and a strong renewal within our heart. Being an overcomer in the last days is not going to happen with those who have not made definite lifestyle changes. Those who are weak in their faith will not be able to endure the challenges that will require standing for God’s truth. Selah. Far beyond the stockpiles of food and water is the highest priority of our life and that is our personal relationship with Christ. I cannot imagine the chaos and violence of trying to go to the grocery store if it was announced that today all stores will be locked down indefinitely. We would still need to maintain the integrity of being a Christian even in the middle of an angry riot. We cannot lose our sensitivity and become as a blinded barbarian over a loaf of bread. This may come as a huge surprise to many Christians but there is coming a day where WE WILL actually need to live by FAITH! Ha, brother you are hilarious! I have been living by faith for years, what are you talking about? Oh really, I know we say prayers and ask God for things. I know we pray for the sick to recover and for God to do miracles if it is His will but have we ever really TRULY had to LIVE by faith alone where your daily life depended on it? I doubt it. Aside from the times we have suffered a serious illness or a loved one has been stricken with a serious situation, we have probably not had to depend on God that much. We are so spoiled living in this country that we do not have a clue to how good we have had it. Have you ever had to dig through the garbage to find something to eat? Have you ever slept under a bridge or shivered in the cold trying to sleep in a cardboard box? While much of the world has been eating rice and drinking dirty water, we have been enjoying steak and lobster. I am reminded of Elijah by the brook and how the birds of the air brought him meat to eat. Do we have this level of faith? Do we believe that God would take care of us the same way? Do you think that now is the time to develop this level of spiritual faith or will you just wait until you will need to believe in these kinds of miracles? How shocked will most of us be if we were to awaken in the morning and everything was different? Will it ever happen like this?
Like we have said before, there are many different suggestions to how the New World Order will come into place. After thinking about the scenario of a total economic collapse in one day, I really feel that something of this proportion would not be likely. I tend to lean toward the notion that as our situation becomes critically near to collapse, that summit meetings from the world’s superpowers would negotiate a financial restructure that would impact the world economy. The falling of the American Empire would be a perfect opportunity for the anti-christ to step forward and become a miracle maker on the world’s stage. His ideas and strategies will be praised by the rulers of darkness and these new reforms will seem to be a rescue of the planet’s financial woes. This of course will project him into a strong leadership position that would be more like the President of the world. He will become a king among the kingdoms of the earth and one who is highly admired by the masses. How will this affect America? It is possible that the penalty for this nation’s ignorance will be the sacrifice of its independence. Money is power and those who have no money – have no power. When the strong man is bound, he cannot rule his house and the sins of the United States will destroy the ability for this nation to rule anything! The once strong and mighty nation will be reduced to a slave and will have no influence or respect to say anything or do anything. The restructuring of our economy may include the rules and regulations from the world government and in order for anyone to function in this new society they will need the “mark” of allegiance to this new world system of the beast. Like all the other fallen empires we will suffer ruin and all of the devastation and misery that is found within a humanistic vision. If this is the picture of our fallen country, where will the Christians be found? Could it be that within the new government of the anti-christ, that he will implement new “world” laws that will prohibit the teaching of Christianity? Could it be possible that the new system will be so aggressive against God’s Word that anyone will be imprisoned or even killed if found spreading the gospel? I know, we would rather not think about such a thing… it is too disturbing. We would rather live in denial and hope the rapture rescues us before we suffer persecution. Selah.
Prayer and faith are highly popular religious words that we like to throw around because they make us sound like we are really walking in His Spirit. The old nature loves to look good in front of others and is always willing to take whatever glory it can get. The truth is that we will only be prepared for the future as much as we are prepared this moment! If we know how to get into God’s presence and consult Him without wavering today, then the chances are good that we will not have a problem with faith when the bottom falls out. If we are a carnal Christian and spend very little time in God’s presence now, how in the world will we be able to take a crash course in connecting with the Holy Spirit when our mind is disoriented, confused, afraid and in shock? This is why believing that God’s Word is perfectly true is so crucial to our spiritual life. Our relationship with God is built completely on TRUST – the “unseen”. How can we have faith in something we are not sure of? We cannot! We must read His Word and listen to His voice NOW and this will help prepare us for whatever trials are included in our own unique destiny.