… because the days are evil…

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

How do you determine what the ‘will of the Lord is’ for you? Is it whatever you think it is? Is His will whatever you determine is right? How many times have you been wrong when trying to do whatever it was you thought was the ‘right’ thing to do? What does Paul mean when he says “Look carefully then how you walk”? How do we exactly make the best use of the time? Preparing out of fear? Doing whatever we think is necessary in the moment?

I’m not certain what the right thing is to do in every circumstance. I’m not prepared for every situation. I’ve learned my wisdom and understanding doesn’t hold a candle to the Lord’s wisdom and understanding. The advice the Holy Spirit gives me is ALWAYS better than my reactions or prior knowledge. That’s the issue the American Christian will face over an over this coming year. What do we do about what is right in front of us? Crisis is no longer coming — it is HERE! It’s just the intensity that will be turned up like “birthing pains”. With each new wave the intensity will increase. So what is the answer? Is it going to more Church services? Is it praying more memorized prayers with lots of words? Is it reading the Bible more?

Is your life being Spirit-led? Can you hear Him clearly in your mind? Are you engaging Him in conversation more by asking Him questions on what He wants you to do? Or you you just doing what you think is right? This is the difference between religion and relationship. How much of your ‘faith’ is religious (intellectual) and how much of it is born from a daily moment by moment relationship with the Holy Spirit?

As the world just gets more dangerous and crazy – how are we to navigate it all? Who is going to ‘lead’ you? Your pastor? Is he the one you’re going to call at 3am when crisis hits? Is his house the one you will go to when you need shelter? We all know our current American church religious system is NOT designed for that kind of relationship, or fellowship. Should it be? 

The time is now to …

1: Learn to hear the Voice of the Holy Spirit within you clearly. 

2: Learn how to carry out His instructions to you… quickly. 

3. Learn how to engage with Him throughout your entire day. 

4: Learn how to pray as He directs. 

5: Seek the Lord in EVERY endeavor you are doing. 

6: Become vulnerable, transparent, and honest with the Lord AND the most trusted people in your relationship circle. 

7: Develop a close trusted circle of ‘faithful’ friends who are as committed as you are to the Lord. 

Do you know anyone to ask to help you learn these things? Who will learn with you? Who will pursue God and the Holy Spirit with the same fervency you have?

Who will you turn to when crisis hits at 2am in the morning? When the fire takes away everything you have and relied on? When death comes knocking right in front of you? When the banks shut down and you lose everything that you had that was in them?

What and who is your security? Is He really? I think our ‘belief’ in that is being tested — and those tests will only increase in the coming days.

Is Jesus really your security? 

Is Jesus really your Source of life and health? 

Is Jesus really the person you rely on?