Greetings in the name of our wonderful King, Jesus. We have January in the books, with extreme weather across much of the South. Power outages in Nashville were among the worst, with some lasting more than 12 days and affecting many people severely. It has not even been a hundred years since power became available to the public, and now civilization as we know it relies heavily on electricity. Politicians and people were jumping up and down, pointing fingers at the outages. Not one had knowledge enough to realize it was our adversary, the devil, the prince of the power of the air, who was responsible.
People are not prepared to be without power. However, power is not guaranteed at the switch; it’s not like gravity that will always be present, even if you pay top dollar for the service. More importantly, people are not ready for an attack from the adversary, which is what this was. Jesus clearly states in John 10:10 that the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Therefore, whenever you observe these negative events, remember that they are the result of our adversary, not our God. Please settle this in your heart and mind once and for all. Jesus says:
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
—John 10:10, AMPC
In the same verse, Jesus states that He came to earth, died for you, and was resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit so that you could have a great life! That does not mean you won’t have troubles, as Jesus also said this:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
—John 16:33
These things He has spoken to you are the entire Bible. The more you know about it, the more peace you can have when trouble comes, because trouble (the adversary) always comes while we are in this world; no one is exempt. The troubles are big and small, but your relationship with Jesus, the Word made flesh, gives you the ability to overcome them all in peace, knowing who you are in and in whom you believe.
This reminds me of Pastor Ed Weiss in Chicago. His beautiful church was burning to the ground when, by chance, his pastor called. Pastor Weiss said something to this effect when he answered, “Praise God, Pastor, how are you doing? All is well here . . . watching the church burn down. Rejoice! I was going to call you. I’m sending you an offering.”
Now this is different from what most people would do, but Pastor Weiss was in Jesus and His Word. He knew this was the result of his adversary and not his God. Our God is bigger than anything the devil can produce. The church was built back bigger and better. Do not let events, people, or circumstances cause you to become dismayed or doubt what Jesus has said! Jesus suffered on the Cross and in hell so you could be at peace, courageous, and full of joy.
Regardless of who you are, even Jesus, a perfect man, God Himself incarnate, had a backstabber in His life, Judas. What trouble he was, but for the glory set before Him, Jesus endured the Cross. That is why the Scripture says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials”(James 1:2). The victory is already won, and there is great glory on the other side of the trial. Even if you face death, you can rejoice that it cannot kill you, for you have been given eternal life in Jesus!
This is quite simple, and it is done for you. However, you must seek Him, study the Word, and follow His commandments, not because they are laws but because they help you enjoy life and avoid troubles. Even if you do nothing, by default, you will walk into many traps set by the enemy.
RUSSIA AND IRAN
Now, let me briefly speak to Iran and Russia. We see them in alliance in Ezekiel 38 before an attack on Israel during the season of the catching away of the Glorious Church. Right now, the people of Iran are revolting against the evil that runs that country. You can be sure that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, so He is there. There will be a significant opportunity for many to receive Jesus. It will most likely weaken the evil regime through an overthrow of the current government. However, religion rules a nation, not people. False Religion is the great harlot of Revelationchapter 17. The regime may change, and many will be free to come to the Lord (if they will), but their hatred for Israel and the West will continue.
The United States, because of the leadership of President Trump, is putting intense pressure on Iran to change. Much of the pressure is economic. Likewise, there is financial pressure on Russia to end the Ukrainian war. A December article from CNN states, “The value of assets that are liquid, or easily converted into cash, in Russia’s National Welfare Fund has declined by 57% since the start of the war.” This strengthens the relationship between these nations. Russia, being atheistic in religion, will have no problem with the Shia Islamic doctrine of making the way for the Mahdi, their messiah. Iran’s hatred of Israel, whom they call the “little Satan,” and the United States, the “great Satan,” will not change even though the United States helps to bring a new era of freedom. They will still genuinely want the Mahdi and the destruction of Israel.
Russia and Iran will rely more on each other looking for a quick way to restore their economies. Other nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38 will join them in their endeavors for reasons of finance or religion. The reason for the attack is as follows: “To take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land” (Ezekiel 38:12).
The plundering and booty of the nation of Israel, which over the past 78 years has acquired much wealth and abundance, is a dangling carrot to these nations. The possibility of gaining power over the Middle East gives great hope to Russia and Iran. It is truly a socialistic/communistic way of thinking (antichrist in origin), taking from others to meet your needs. It does not end well as God uses His wrath to protect Israel, and no one survives God’s wrath. Hence, the opportunity of freedom for the Gospel to go forth in these nations. It is not God’s will that any perish, but all come to the knowledge of the great Salvation of Jesus Christ.
This use of God’s wrath will initiate the removal of the righteous (the Rapture). Jesus is surely coming soon. We need to be ready, and the significant part about being ready is living an abundant life. We are praying for you and appreciate your financial and prayerful support. My prayer for you is that this abundant life will become evident to you. That you will see the good as it comes by and live in peace all the days of your life, being in an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Until next time remember . . . Jesus is coming soon! Be ready and be looking!
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