Jude 15:18-19

They used to say to you, “In the last days there will be scoffers, following after their own ungodly passions.” These are the ones who are (agitators) causing divisions-worldly-minded (carnal, unspiritual, unsaved) devoid of Spirit.  

We have come into the time when we must prepare ourselves to be mocked and scorned for our faith and not lose heart. God will be our strength and teach us what to say because we know that God is in control. God planned us for this generation to help God complete His plan for the lost and unsaved.

Psalm 63

O God, You are my God; with deepest longing I will seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs and sighs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  

God is the water that satisfies your thirst for acceptance, love, kindness, and peace. God can refresh your soul and bring you into a good place. One word from God and everything changed in our lives, and we find direction if we are off course. God is more than enough God.  

Psalm 36

Transgression speaks (like and oracle) to the wicked (godless) (deep) within his heart; there is no fear (dread) of God before his eyes. For he flatters and deceives himself in his own eyes thinking that his sinfulness will not be discovered and hated (by God).

In many cases, a person who rejects God has become a God unto themselves. They rely on their wisdom and feelings to deal with a matter. The layers of sin have compiled until blindness has covered their eyes. They get to the point where they cannot see the gospel’s truth unless a shock happens or prayer breaks through to the heart. 

Psalm 25:9-10

He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and goodness and truth and faithfulness to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.  

A teachable, humble spirit is the key to a strong relationship with God. When we realize how much we need and rely upon the leadership of God in our lives, we will remain humble and open to hearing Him. It gets harder to hear when we step away from the covenant and leadership. We react less in lovingkindness and goodness and draw strife to us. Strife leads only to a dead-end road.  

Ephesians 4:27

And do not give the devil opportunity (to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness).

We have the authority to say NO! There will be opportunities in this life to let the devil have a stronghold if we let him.  The cost of losing peace and being in resentment is too high because it blocks our blessings and it blocks our ability to hear from God.  The devil will hound the thinking and keep bringing it up, but it will stop once he knows you mean business.  Use your authority and say NO!

1 John 4:4

Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have (already) overcome them (the agents of the antichrist); because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world (of sinful mankind).

Jesus came to this world to redeem humanity, bringing salvation and authority for the believer.  We are to use our authority to rule and reign in our lives.  The Holy Spirit inside the born-again believer is our direct connection to the throne of God.  Just as we are to exercise our faith, we use our authority.  

Luke 10:19

Listen carefully: I have given you authority (that you now possess) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and (the ability to exercise authority) over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will (in any way) harm you.  

The devil is afraid of the born-again believer!  If the devil can keep the believer ignorant of their authority, he can prevail against the believer.  Knowledge of the word of God is power and authority here on earth.  Jesus gave us the authority to help Him here on this earth. 

Luke 18:41-42

What do you want Me to do for you? He said, “Lord let me regain my sight!” Jesus said to him, “Regain your sight; your (personal trust and confident) faith (in Me) has made you well.”

Jesus has not changed! Jesus still heals and will heal! We have to do our part, which is to believe that Jesus can and He will.  That means we have to cast down the doubt and confess the word. We do this by focusing on the word and not letting any distractors try to steal it from us.  Our focus must be on Jesus and His abilities and to trust Him.   

Luke 16:9

And I tell you (learn from this), make friends for yourselves (for eternity) by means of the wealth of the un-righteousness (that is, use material resources as a way to further the work of God), so that when it runs out, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.  

As believers, we owe a debt to those who came before us and invested in our salvation by supporting the church.  The work of God is essential, and the spread of the word to the lost is part of our calling.  The next generation of saved Christians is our investment while we are here.  

Luke 12:35-36

Be dressed and ready for active service, and keep your lamps continuously burning.  Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open the door for him.  

When we stay prepared for the master’s return, we don’t get caught off guard.  If we remain prepared in the word when times of pressure come, our hearts are so filled with the word, and that is what we will speak.  We open the door, and we are prepared for service and ready.  We don’t fear or tremble but have the answer according to the word.