State of the Kingdom

I have been sitting back and reflecting on all that has gone on in our nation in the first two months of 2021. We have seen a lot happen in such a short amount of time. It seems like we have gone from one historical event to another, starting with January 6th that led to the second impeachment of a non-sitting president. We have seen massive fallout from how leaders in this nation have handled the pandemic, the continued closure of schools and the debate that surrounds the issue. We have seen the state of Texas almost completely shut down due to a winter storm and far too many lives lost because of a power grid failure. We have seen the agenda that the new administration has begun to put in place, and I don't care what side you lean towards politically there are aspects of this agenda that are not Biblical, anti-God, and anti-family.

We could go on and on with all the life altering things that we are experiencing, but there is no doubt in my mind that this moment we find ourselves in is the final seconds of the final minutes of the last hour. Jesus said that when you see all of the events that he listed in Mat 24 coming together on top of each other the time is short. As I am reflecting on all that is going on I am struck by 1 Peter 3:14-15

But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken. 15 But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.

This is the NET version of the Bible, it is a compilation of all the people whole worked on various translations such as ESV, NASB, and NIV. I really like how it sets up the times that we are living in "if you happen to suffer". These times are times that suffering is a reality. The agenda that the enemy is pushing in this moment seems to be unleashing darkness in our nation and against the American church. We must be vigilant and discern the times like the sons of Issachar. However this does not mean that we are consumed by this agenda. Peter says here not to be terrified or shaken by what is happening.

How do we keep ourselves from being terrified and shaken?

Set Christ as Lord in our hearts - When we establish that Jesus is Lord over all we cannot be shaken. When we set him as King, we realize that he is seated higher than any government system. When Jesus is made the rock of our salvation no pandemic, no catastrophe, no economy can shake us. When Jesus is our rock he secures our circumstances, he settles our emotions, people no longer hold any power over us.

Hope gives you a voice - When Jesus is set as Lord in our hearts, we become a voice of hope in turbulent times. We live in a hope that is established on our Savior. This fact causes us to become a projection point for the light of God into the darkness. Others will witness our tranquility in the midst of the storm and wonder where this comes from. We then get the opportunity to bring them to the source of our hope, Jesus.

If you are stuck in circumstances that look like there is no way out. If you are concerned about what is going on in the world, now is the moment to turn our eyes on Jesus. We must forsake the perspectives of the world around us and set our hearts on our savior. We must turn to his word and draw from the hope and strength found in him. When we do, it will affect those around us.