FROM THE KEYBOARD

Israel has attended the funeral of every nation that has sought to destroy her. The existence of Israel through the ages is evidence of God’s Word being true. "For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye" (Zechariah 2:8).

The world is only getting darker, yet these are the exact conditions for the Christian to shine brighter. And brighter doesn't mean obnoxiously louder, it means righteously bolder. "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).

"Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian" (D.L. Moody). Thus, let your example be to the glory of God because you may be the only Bible somebody reads! "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

The earth is clearly experiencing contractions as Jesus outlined in Matthew 24. And these will only intensify as we get closer to the birth of our Lord's return. Thus, let us continue to live faith forward in a world that's backwards and let us keep our eyes heavenward in the midst of a culture that is hell-bound. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).

The Spirit of Christ within us is greater than the spirit of antichrist around us. This means we take our cue from Scripture not culture, from truth not trends! "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (I John 4:4).

The favor of God is for the glory of God. You see, God gives us favor that we may give Him glory. Therefore, let it be asked--how are you using your favor--to highlight Jesus Christ or to spotlight your own life? "If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ..." (I Peter 4:11).