The Perilous Times!

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Scripture Text: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” - 2 Timothy 3:1 (KJV)

Beloved, we live in a generation where light and darkness coexist in the same spaces. The hearts of many have waxed cold toward God and His truth. What we see today is the fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Apostle Paul to Timothy - “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents…” (2 Timothy 3:2-4 KJV).

Truly, we are in perilous times!

It’s a time when people profess Christ yet deny His power in their daily living. Many people attend church not for transformation but for social satisfaction. A time where there’s an increase in wickedness, selfishness, hatred, and disobedience, both in the church and in the world.

The fear of God seems to be fading away from many hearts. But even in such a time, God’s people are called to stand as lights in this dark, and cruel world.

Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 24:12, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” But the faithful are to remain steadfast, not tossed by the tides of moral compromise.

However, to be aligned with God in these perilous days, we must guard our hearts, renew our minds daily, and let the Word of God dwell richly in us:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.?" - Colossians 3:16 (KJV)

When the world is shouting confusion, a believer must be still in faith. When the world calls wrong right, we must boldly stand for truth. The perilous times are not a time to fear; it is a time to prove that Christ truly lives in us.

The Words of Smith Wigglesworth;

The darker the night, the brighter the light of a believer must shine.

So, let's see five pathways to stay in alignment with God and obedient in these perilous times:

1. Stay Rooted in the Word of God

The Word is your anchor in a drifting world. Let the Bible be your daily companion. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalms 119:105 (KJV).

2. Live by the Spirit, Not by the Flesh

Only the Spirit of God at work in you, can keep you discerning in times of deception. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16 (KJV)

3. Guard Your Heart Diligently

What you allow into your heart shapes your life "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

4. Be Watchful in Prayer

Prayer keeps your spiritual senses alert. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." - Luke 21:36 (KJV)

5. Walk in Love and Humility

Love is the nature of God; humility keeps you teachable and safe from pride.

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:" - Philippians 2:3-5 (KJV)

Child of God! Allow this truth to sink deeply: You were not born for these perilous times to hide; instead, you were born to shine and prevail. Know that the Spirit of God in you is your advantage.

POINTS OF REFLECTION

1. Are you standing firm in faith or being swayed by the pressures of the world?

2. Do your choices daily reflect the kingdom life of Christ in you?

3. How are you helping others to stand strong in these perilous times?

PRAYER KEY POINTS

Father, IJN: Thank You for making me a light in this dark and perilous generation.

Father, IJN: Help me to stay steadfast in Your Word and not compromise my faith in these last days.

Father, IJN: Strengthen me by Your Spirit to overcome the deceit, pride, and temptations of these perilous times.

COMMIT TO MEMORY

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (KJV)

ASSIGNMENT

Take time to examine your walk with God. Identify areas where the world’s influence has subtly crept in, repent sincerely, and renew your commitment to living by the Word.

Encourage someone struggling in faith to stand firm and trust in God’s promises.

When the world gets darker, it is not time to panic, it is time to shine brighter. ✨