Greetings in the name of El Shaddai, the God who is MORE than enough! The tragic events we have just witnessed in Baltimore were all foretold by Jesus and the apostles. They are evidence of the End Time in which we currently live. Let’s look at Paul’s letter to his son in the faith, Timothy.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (II Timothy 3:1-5)
I know these verses are used often when referring to the Last Days, but it is still a truth concerning the dangerous times in which we live. We must keep these Words in remembrance when events such as the Baltimore and Ferguson uprisings play out in the local and national news, seemingly daily. In the Scripture above, I have bolded eight categories that fit these events.
Those rioting, looting, and inciting discord are lovers of themselves and their own issues and views (this does not include the entire community), and many may not even be aware of this because of self-deception. I understand the conditions of some people in inner-city neighborhoods are not good, but that could be said for portions of just about any area in our country. The people are very focused on “my” condition. Yet, the Father tells us to love one another, which is the giving of one’s self to another. Not loving our own lives so much that we lose sight of others. Let’s face it; many consider their condition and ability to give to be contingent on their financial plight, which brings us to the love of money.
Money is really nothing more than a barter system—it is a way to trade goods and services. Growing up, I learned you did not have to have money to barter. In the South, we call it the “good ol’ boy” system. I can use my talents to help someone who can, in turn, use their talents to do something for me. You may call it, “You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.” This works in most all aspects of life, business, politics, and even some religions. It is a trade to supply a demand. If one person is a farmer, and another has a mechanical aptitude, the mechanic may work on the farmer’s equipment in exchange for food. Interestingly, this sounds much like the Father’s plan for the Body of Christ in Ephesians:
Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:16)
People, especially the Church, must learn to love one another more than their financial standing and recognize their God-given gifts. Truly, this poverty mentality comes from a demon called, “Mammon.” This demon teaches people that they will never be happy or worth anything without money; however, nothing could be farther from the truth!
Even “poor” Americans live considerably above the poverty line of the entire world. Most Americans have housing, some sort of food, cell phones, healthcare, and drinkable water. They are not like those who scrape a little clay and put it in water (if they can find some) to make their only meal. Many Americans are unthankful for what they do have, and if something good does come along, they are so blinded that they do not see it.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. Jeremiah 17:6
However, here is how those of us in Christ should be.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah17:7-9
We can see how this demon orchestrated the entire situation in Maryland. Over time, it has given some people the impression that they are lesser human beings (when they are not lesser by any means), and influences them into thinking they have a minimal chance at a good life. This oppressive demon compels them to gain wealth anyway they can (drugs, prostitution, thuggery, theft), which translates to the lust or love of money. Remember, you do not have to have money to love money. In turn, those under this influence become headstrong—not looking for another way to attain money and possessions, just the quickest way possible, and letting nothing stand in their way. Now we see them lose all self-control—acting like hooligans (when many were probably raised better than that)–becoming brutal and despising good (in this case, the police).
This, of course, is manifested as crime, which is sin. Some people believe it to be a “police problem” or a “race problem.” I believe a pastor friend of mine put it the best. He said, “We don’t have a race problem or a police problem, we have a sin problem!” And we know the only way to get rid of a sin problem is with THE BLOOD OF JESUS!
The answer, my brothers and sisters, is the Gospel. People must know the good news, which is that Jesus of Nazareth has come to set them free from the curse and lose their bonds. No man or government can set you free. However, by the same token, no government or person can enslave you if you know who you are in Christ Jesus. The only one who can put you under bondage when you know who you are in Jesus is you!
I charge you, as a Christian, to tell people about the Gospel, and the love the Father has for them. The first thing that Jesus said He was anointed to do was preach the Gospel to the poor. The answer to poverty and this demon called Mammon is the good news of Jesus Christ (THE GOSPEL)! Jesus became poor so we might be rich (II Cor. 8:9)! You, too, are anointed to do the things Jesus did. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you are a member of the Body of Christ. Christ means, “the Anointed” (the presence of God)—it is not Jesus’ last name. You carry the anointing on the earth that sets people free.
You must spend your time in the Gospel, with the Holy Ghost, in order to gain knowledge of the Gospel to tell others. This is how you survive the Last Days: (1) by the blood of the Lamb, (2) by the word of your testimony (simply telling others about the wonderful things God has done for you), (3) not being concerned about your life, but loving others by giving of yourself to them (Rev. 12:11).
Even though the darkest of days are upon us, and to the world all may seem lost, we have the victory because we are the light of this world! We have answers where there are no answers! WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERERS!
With all of these things happening the rapture of the Church is at hand. Pray always and have a behavior that is worthy to be received unto the Lord Jesus. Don’t be left behind!
Thank you for your support in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Your prayers and finances help spread the Gospel and make a dark world brighter. Please pray for all who are involved in the chaos around the country; pray that the Lord would bring servants across their paths (maybe it will be you!).
Michelle and I cannot thank you enough for your support. The Lord knows your works, and He is the Rewarder! We call you blessed, healed and whole in Jesus’ name! Until next time, remember . . . Jesus is Coming Soon!
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