December 30, 2023. Happy New Year!
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
For many of us, the new year prompts a desire to do a little reflection. I like to look back, then ask the Lord to help me look ahead. In perusing my old notes, I found a series from 2015 dealing with challenges that would face the Church. The list included warnings about the continued decline of sexual morality, the rise of Islam, and the continued struggle of a Church that looks too much like the world and denies the power of the Spirit. When I wrote those things, I could not have pictured just how bad it would get.
Looking even further back, I was reminded of 2 things from the early 1990’s. First, the Holy Ghost spoke by prophecy to say there would come a day when the move of the Spirit would be rare, and often denied, even among the so called “Word of Faith” crowd. He said we would have to “contend for the supernatural.” About that same time, I was on a plane headed to Latin America when He told me so clearly, “I’m going to bring them to you.” I knew He was referring to people from other countries coming to the United States in swarms. Hello!
So, headed into 2024, where are we? Several things seem clear:
- The elections are going to produce increasing division and chaos.
- The Church will again be tempted to become a political tool for corrupt politicians.
- The increase of shamelessness and sexual sin will continue. The price of standing up for holiness will increase.
- Immigrants will continue to flood our borders. The toxic blend of communism and Islam will produce cultural uproar.
- Tensions abroad will continue. This includes the Arab-Israeli conflict.
- Economic volatility will be a fact of life.
- New diseases will appear, and old ones will re-appear with new vigor. Our medical system will be overtaxed.
As we head into a year of uncharted instability, let’s remember who we are, whose we are, and why we are. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty. We are here to make an impact, not hide in our holes. Our arsenal includes:
- Prayer. 2024 will require us to get serious about praying. This is tough to do in the digital age. Turn off the devices and get on your knees! Jesus did it. Paul did it. We must do it, as well.
- Power: God’s M.O. when confronted with pagan resistance and cultural unbelief has always been to move in supernatural demonstration. Miracles, signs, and wonders are His way of letting folks know who He is and that He is in charge. We are His missionaries to America. It’s miracle time.
- Kindness. The people our flesh wants to hate, or at least avoid, are the very folks we are here to reach. Don’t treat them with contempt. In addition, the enemy’s #1 strategy in the Church is to bring division and enmity among believers. When we’re fighting each other, the devil can take the day off. My little children, love one another.
- Truth. Our prayers, God’s power, and love in action will earn us a hearing from some, resistance from others. Preach the Word, not politics, not economics, not popular psychology. Jesus is God incarnate. He came to die in our place because we are sinful. He was raised on the third day. He gives life to all who repent and believe. Stay on message.
Somebody Said: “Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.” — Jonathan Edwards
Scripture Reading: The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray. Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without complaining. As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-11 BSB)
Here’s the Point: All in all, it’s a great time to be alive! Every problem situation, every difficult person, every personal failure, provides an opportunity for God to show Himself strong. As His representatives in the earth, we get to be part of it. Don’t get deluded by politics. You can’t solve spiritual problems with human wisdom and effort. Tune up your prayer life. Expect God to move suddenly and miraculously. Love the unlovely and the unlovable. Speak the truth in love. Miracles will ensue. It’s gonna be quite a ride.
Pastor Virgil
3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85741
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