Robert Ricciardelli
As the year draws to a close, and Christians in America begin to nudge heaven for a word concerning their future, it’s important to note the persistent doom and gloom that exists. It seems that we are divided into two major camps, those expecting life in a tribulation-like setting (prophetic) and those who don’t care about anything (carnal Christians) except maybe the economy and how it affects how many dollars are in their pockets.
I would like to offer a different look at 2012 and what it holds for His people. First, I am not moving to the mountains of North Carolina and storing food and water for a year in a cave. So if that is how you believe, when you turn on the flashlight in the cave you will not see my smiling face there.
I believe the Kingdom of God is advancing no matter what my eyes see. His Church has the standing promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail against her. This does not paint the picture of a defensive posture but that of an advancing, territory-taking, continent shaking Bride. I am getting excited just writing about it!
Ps 2:8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. NKJV
I believe God does know the end from the beginning. I believe all things necessary to this life have been given to me via the person of the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit is keeping and will keep me not my works. I believe that whatever happens in 2012, my success will not depend on me, my study of the stock market, my gold and silver investments, my knowledge of survival living and my stores of guns and ammo to take out Fort Knox.
Why do I believe this way? Because my Bible says for me to put His Kingdom first and ALL these things will be added unto me. My first concern is the Kingdom of God advancing not self – preservation or calming my fear of the future. Bible history clearly points out that that it is God who prepares a Goshen Land for His people. It was Him who made them sheepherders so as to naturally separate them from Egypt. I even believe the Lord worked in having the Egyptians hate sheepherders so as to despise living near them. God set Joseph up and what the devil meant for evil God turned it to save a nation of people.
Even now God has been preparing for what is coming to America. His people will be a “Goshen-people” again because in the middle of the mess and coming chaos the Kingdom must advance.
For us who are five-fold ministers either in ministry or marketplace I believe the Holy Spirit spoke clearly it Acts 6 that we are to stay focused in ministry unto the Lord (worship) and then to His people. It has not been our wisdom that has brought us to this place but His unmerited grace and favor that has set us up. For such a time as this we have been brought into His kingdom. Today is the day and now is the hour of decision. Lives (souls) hang in the balance.
Now if your bags are packed and you are waiting on rapture so you can leave this earth defeated with your tail between your legs I am probably not making much sense to you. I am saying unpack and get ready to walk out your faith in the midst of whatever hell throws at you. Be light and be salt to this generation. This is what you were saved for and not just to get a “Get out of hell” ticket. Find comfort knowing that God has already been there, He is there now and He will be there for you when you need Him in the future.
For you survivalists and all-wise investors, I have only one question. How much of Gods resources to do his works today have you invested or put away because of your plans for the future? Tomorrow is promised to no one! I judge you not but may the Lord speak to you concerning your present actions and may you be found guiltless and blameless at His appearance on judgment day.
For all you political experts writhing with pain at what is happening to this country as you watch powerful forces come together to unwind the spiritual and moral fiber which has held this country together for over two hundred years I have a word for you a new political face is not the answer. Here is another;
2 Cor 10:4-5
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. NKJV
In conclusion I will prepare to the best of my ability without taking my first efforts and resources away from the Lord’s heart for His people at this hour. In reference to politics, I am a citizen of His Kingdom first and an American second. For all, but specially His Church, 2012 will further rock our comfort level and deal with our distractions to the things of this world. God has a plan and His plan will succeed!
I recommend that you join me in putting yourself in a posture to hear and obey as the Spirit speaks. Surround yourself with godly servants as a safety net from error. The real Church is a family and we need each other. Stay in the Boat! For those of you that know me know I am not talking about a particular congregation, religious membership, or a physical place. I am talking about the One Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is the only way you and your family will make it through these coming years!
What do you think and how are you preparing for 2012?? Leave us a comment!
Jose Bosque
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