Living in the Last Hour

The Scriptures tell us many things.

For me, this blog is about sharing knowledge of the Scriptures, spiritual insights, observations and personal opinions. Personal opinions carry zero weight, so I look to the heavens, I search the Scriptures, and as our world is consumed by darkness I pray to the Lord for discernment and wisdom. Living in the last hour, the last days, or the end times, regardless what the times are called, the Scriptures are clear that these are the days when the love of many will grow cold. Seems like this time in history, it’s not just cold, the love of many is frigid. There is no room for compassion. Kindness is something that we have to promote. We have to spread the idea of showing kindness. I hear the cynicism in my words, but when I see believers acting in ways and saying things contrary to Scripture I wonder if we are all reading the same Bible. It’s like Eve in the Garden of Eden. “Did God really say…”

"Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

The practice of hospitality, or entertaining strangers seems to have gone out of fashion, not that entertaining strangers was ever a thing. Cliques reign. Today’s world, feels like a sinking ship where every man is looking out for self. We live in fear of our neighbors, of worldly influences, of everything we do not understand. Our identity is no longer linked to God, but to this land, a land that we have come to idolize. Scriptures teach this world is not our home, that we should pursue peace with all men. Does Scripture say that America is where believers can and will live free of persecution?

As Americans we have always lived in a very secure nation, secure from foreign invasion that is, but not so much domestic threats, as recently as Jan. 6, 2021.

For the most part, through the process of socialization, we gain this sense of assurance, that we are safe in our communities and safe from foreign invasion. Nevertheless, it does not prevent sheer panic, or fear from striking the hearts of men when they feel threatened personally or otherwise. When national identity takes priority to their Christian identity, fear will surface quickly.

I live in San Antonio. I am less than three hours from the Mexican border. Having lived somewhat close to the border, the fear of an enemy invasion via Mexico, or enemy fire from the across the border, has never come up in casual conversation. When I was growing up, these, undocumented immigrants, were not dangerous people. They were not a physical threat, at least not any more than the next person. There was a time when we did not need border fences to feel secure in this country. Living in a secure nation was ingrained into our DNA. We tend to have this arrogance that no one would dare invade the USA. Invasion, as in a full frontal attack with all the weapons of warfare. That is no longer the case. Geez, Americans are feeling invaded (threatened) by illegal immigration. That sounds rather comical considering we are a nation of immigrants. I dare say that these Christians that fear liberal politics, and liberal politicians are not trusting in God. They are the ones to which the question is directed. “Did God indeed say…?”

No doubt, we live in dangerous times, more so than in the past, but that does not mean the past was a safer place to live. Communications was limited to the technology of the day. Today, the speed at which news is delivered to us has increased exponentially, not just local news, but also global news. We have seen how quickly anyone with a cell phone and a social media account can broadcast news. So, as quickly as news spreads, fear spreads tens times faster. Fear is like a wildfire. It rages and destroys everything and everyone in its path. This need to feel secure, to secure our homes is the reason we put iron gates and security systems around our homes, windows, and doors. It’s the reason we need guard dogs, guns and security guards. Fear. Fear. Fear. The Lord said to fear not. Fear not for I am with you.

Psalm 34:4 - I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Proverbs 29:25 - The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Has God indeed said that Christians should take back their country? Has God said, Christians should make America great again? Has God said that Christians should defy their government leaders?

Has God indeed said…”