We need to look at what Jesus said the times would look like just prior to His return, and learn what we MUST do. We must love the Truth and learn to depend upon the Holy Spirit in every detail…to hear the still small voice of God, and recognize His Hand in our lives. The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts the world of sin.

What will it take to succeed in these times? Endurance. 

What is endurance? It is not a very popular word nor one that is understood very easily. However, in order to succeed in battle, we better understand it and learn to endure. It is obvious that we are living in times when it is increasingly important that we understand what it means to us as individuals. 

The King James Version of the Bible was translated well over three hundred plus years ago, and the meaning of some English words have changed. The KJV uses the word patience where we would use the word endurance today. Nobody likes that word—patience. People cringe when they hear someone mention that they prayed for patience. Many say that asking God for patience brings tribulation and all kinds of trouble. 

Where we talk about patience, the King James Version uses the word long-suffering. Patience or long-suffering means to be willing to put up with irritating people, circumstances and situations without losing your temper—to remain in good character, composed, and not fly off the handle like a volcanic eruption. It is a highly valuable Christian virtue…and satan knows best how to trigger each person to lose their temper. Hello?!?!

I am well aware that I could use more of it myself when it comes to injustices, lies, betrayal and long-suffering. It’s blatantly obvious that the whole world needs it desperately. Never think you have arrived to some special place of achievement or honor in the things of God—we are always learning and growing…and will be till the day Jesus calls us home—through death or when the Trumpet sounds. 

When the King James Version uses the word patience, the modern day word would be endurance or perseverance. 

The verb form that the King James Version of the Bible uses is “to endure.” 

We need to look at what Jesus said the world would look like immediately prior to His return. Jesus gave a prophetic preview on the Mount of Olives. Many of the things He spoke about are coming to pass before our very eyes… right now. 

What I want to focus on is what we are going to need to get through these days. “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:12-13). 

Pay close attention and notice the direct connection between lawlessness and lovelessness. It’s obvious that when people become lawless, they become loveless. We sometimes think of love as spontaneous, a natural response to others, as something free, something that requires no laws and no discipline. But that is far from truth. Love and discipline go hand in hand. Think about what it is like to raise a family. You love your kids, but they have to be disciplined. A good father disciplines his children. God disciplines us. 

Think about this with me. When discipline and law break down, love grows cold. We have watched it manifest for some time now in America…and across the nations. The word for love in verse 12 of Matthew 24 is agape, which refers to the love of Christians. Jesus is not talking about the love of the world growing cold, but the love of Christians growing cold. 

We are witnessing this terrible tragedy today—presently—lawlessness abounding and love growing cold—Jesus says: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” We have to endure to the end. The original Greek says this, “He that has endured unto the end, it is he who will be saved.” 

In Mark’s rendering of the same Olivet Discourse—Jesus’s prophetic preview on the Mount of Olives—we find this warning repeated:

“Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” —Mark 13:12-13

This is a bleak and somber picture of lies, deception, betrayal, rampant treachery and disloyalty within family relationships and toward Christians who will be hated by all. This is what Jesus warned us about….

This is happening today…and has been happening. People are being persecuted for their faith abroad and here in America. Adult children have risen up, like Judas in the Bible, to betray their own parents. That same deception is going on in marriages, legal battles, in businesses, and even in church and among believers. 

Never forget, in the Book of Revelation Satan is called “that serpent of old…who deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). And Paul warns in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 that this satanic tactic will find its ultimate expression in the Antichrist, who will deceive with lying signs and wonders all those who “did not receive the love of the Truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Our only protection is to receive the love of truth. All who refuse this will not merely be deceived by Satan; God Himself will send them a strong delusion…to those who chose not to believe the Gospel of Christ..the Truth. 

Love of the truth is not a mere conformity to religious tradition, imitating man, or using the latest worldly methods and strategies to draw a crowd in a church. It is not even reading your Bible and having a “quiet time” before the Lord on a daily basis. It demands a total, unreserved, unwavering commitment to believe and obey God’s Word—one that rules out all forms of compromise. 

It’s where we allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas in our own lives that need purifying…where we allow Church services to be led by the Holy Spirit, instead of man, where families and businesses are committed to God and Holy Spirit-led. The Holy Spirit reveals all hidden truth and shows us things to come. He empowers us, sanctifies us, and equips us to stand strong and to succeed. 

What Paul would tell us today is this……he knew Satan was terrified of his calling. The reason Paul was attacked repeatedly and recurrently is that the devil was fearful of the enormous progress Paul would make if he didn’t face opposition and adversity. Paul would remind us right now, for today, that his anointing, his calling, and his potential were the factors that triggered demonic attacks in the first place. 

Paul suffered many horrific and crazy things during the course of his ministry because he was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. You see, Satan was terrified of what would happen if Paul could operate in his divine call without hindrance and opposition. 

It’s starting to make sense to you now, isn’t it? Think about it. How much could Paul do without any opposition? How much territory could Paul take without opposition and resistance? If Paul was able to do all the incredible things he did with God for God’s Kingdom in the face of such evil opposition, what kind of Gospel advancements could he have made with no opposition! 

Satan stirred up trouble, threw every obstacle he could in Paul’s way to slow him down, to ruin his name, to discredit him, to destroy his relationships, friendships, and, if possible, to even kill him. Satan hated the call of God on Paul’s life…and he hates it on mine and your’s too. 

It’s obvious that Paul had a made up mind—a firm decision—that he would not stop, not quit, and not give up until he had apprehended that for which Christ Jesus had apprehended him (Philippians 3:12). You will have to do the same thing—have a made up mind—make a firm decision—so that you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks and successfully achieve all God has called you to do with Him, by determining, right now, never to stop, until you have accomplished your divine destiny. Jesus taught that those who “endure to the end” are the ones who will receive the prize (Matthew 24:13). 

So..what are we to do?  Resist the devil. Don’t give in. Hold out. Endure. I firmly believe that God is speaking that word to us today. I pray that God, through His Holy Word, will put steel in your soul, increased boldness in your heart, and give you a spiritual backbone to endure if you do not already have one. 

I pray GOD will give you a holy boldness to stand strong, stand apart, and step out to represent Him well in the earth. 

BOOKS BY DEBORAH STARCZEWSKI

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed and Know Your Purpose) …learn how to move from drama to destiny, a mess to a message, from trials and troubles to triumph through turning to Jesus Christ. 

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)….a miraculous story of hope and healing that will keep you turning the pages. God raised my husband from death, healed him from two strokes, and walked with us through two open-heart surgeries. This book will give you increased faith to believe God for anything and has a Confession Prayer inside that will change your life. 

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?)…a must read for all. 

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, xulon.com bookstore, www.starministriesinc.com and other distributors. 

TWITTER…wisdom…from the bluebird on Twitter to the Courts of Heaven…better get praying! 

“Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.” (Ecclesiastes 10:20 KJV). 

That is a very interesting verse in the Bible. God’s Word is true and every question is answered in the Bible…the basic instructions before leaving earth. Several weeks ago, I was thinking about the bird in the air, and thought, “Wow, God in His infinite wisdom gave us the revelation for today about TWITTER…the little blue bird…that carries our words everywhere on social media.”

Coffman’s Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:20 says:

This is a warning against any kind of seditious talk against a monarch and against even the entertainment of any uncomplimentary thoughts regarding such a ruler; because, the nature of human gossips being what it is, the account of your words will be relayed to the ruler, “In a manner as rapid and as marvelously as if birds or winged messengers had carried the information to the king.”

No matter if it is a “tweet” on Twitter or the Holy Spirit reveals something to us as one of His servants, the bible makes it clear that the Holy Spirit reveals all hidden truth and shows us things to come. (see John 16:13…take time to read John chapters 14-16). 

If there ever was a time we need to pray as a nation, it is now. Instead of attacking and maligning, we must be praying as God tells us in His Word. Why would anyone in their right mind try to destroy someone? They are deceived by the enemy. 

There is a destructive element in griping and complaining all the time about the government, or anything else for that matter. While we do need the facts, we learn to operate in truth. Truth is God’s Word and His ways. Truth is doing the right thing at all times. Truth is being the same person in private as in public. Truth takes a stand with God. 

A heart problem will eventually show up if it is not fixed, repaired, or replaced. A heart problem eventually shows up in actions as well. The Bible tells us that whatever is in the heart will come out of the mouth. Listen to your words and check yourself. Don’t check your neighbor. Check your own heart. We each have to stand before God as individuals. 

Jesus taught us by His own example. He showed what true leadership is….action not a position.   Jesus, the Son of God, taught us that we lead by serving. 

When Jesus wrapped the towel around him and began to wash the feet of his own disciples, he was teaching a principle for all time. Even though we are clean on the inside as born-again believers, we must daily cleanse our walk through spending time in God’s presence where we are empowered to live a spirit-filled life in a world of hurting people. Where we are not so distracted by technology that we can hear God at the slightest whisper at the door of our hearts. Where we are empowered to live with eternity in mind at all times. 

Check your own heart….always stay humble and kind. We must constantly focus on loving and leading as Jesus Christ does….and renew our minds so our words line up with God’s Word. When we remember that how we treat people is how we are treating Jesus Christ, we have a wakeup call. 

Pray for the President of the United States, President Donald J. Trump and all those in authority. We are called to pray for leaders across the land. If you live in another nation and are reading this, pray for your leaders. Pray for each other. Stand in the gap through prayer. Be kind. The secret to love is kindness. 

“First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2…A CALL TO PRAYER) 

#PrayForThoseInAuthority #POTUS #DONALDJTRUMP #PresidentTrump

#Purpose #Destiny #VictoriousLiving #Leadership  #DonaldJTrumpPresident

#TheMidnightHourWillAmericaTurnBackToGod #GodsPricelessTreasure

BOOKS BY DEBORAH STARCZEWSKI FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND ENCOURAGEMENT:

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed And Know Your Purpose)…. learn to move from drama to destiny, pain to purpose, trials and tragedy to triumphant living. 

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)….the full account of God raising my husband from death, healing him from two open-heart surgeries, two open-heart surgeries, and the walk at Mercy for 25 days. This book will keep you turning the pages….

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?)… a must read for every leader and family. 

FOR MINISTRY AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, CONTACT DEBORAH on www.starministriesinc.com 

Books available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.starministriesinc.com and other distributors. 

Our society is suffering from a progressive breakdown of interpersonal relationships. People are more connected than ever…and less connected in real relationships. Texting has taken over talking. Relationships have diminished and people actually spend less quality time with family and friends. People are bashing authority, taking matters into their own hands, attempting to kill people because they don’t like them, to all sorts of manipulation and evil. What on earth has happened in this nation? How did the breakdown start? What can we do to bring about change?

It’s imperative to take time to get away to spend with family and friends, or you will get caught in the crossfire of enemy tactics. Satan is afraid of what you can become in Christ…so he seeks to destroy any of us at a young age. Be encouraged….people who have been the lowest often end up the highest. The Scriptures tells us, “He who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

There is always something you don’t know in any situation; so be careful not to assume and judge. Satan will try to get you to accuse, assume, attack, belittle, lie, and slander. He will paint a rosy picture to get you off course and it never ends well. Remember Judas. Sowing and reaping is a principle that works in the good and the bad.

David’s own father and brothers assumed he wasn’t in the lineup for God’s choice…but wow….were they wrong. The very one they thought wasn’t good enough and not even called in for the lineup, was God’s choice. See how far off assumption can get a person, and an entire family falling for their own opinions? (See 1 Samuel 16)

Satan comes to distract, deter, damage, and create doubt and duress in the lives of every believer so that we are derailed by evil tactics. Lack of respect, lack of respect for authority, and moral decay has swept through the nation. It is obvious what is happening. Satan is out to steal, kill, and destroy. 

The Bible says that we are hid in Christ (as born-again followers of Christ) and the devil cannot find us. He roars like a lion trying to get us to come out and align with him through negative confession, accusation, slander, and all sorts of evil. 

Satan comes to divide your mind against God. He will try to divide your marriage, family, friends, cities, churches, and nations. A house divided will not stand. A nation divided will not stand. When people lose their moral compass, disaster is imminent. 

The enemy wants to destroy from within. Keep your heart pure. Purity is prerequisite for power. Courage is prerequisite for impact and legacy 

Choose this day WHO you will serve —God or Satan. Determine in your heart to be the change in every situation. Determine to confess the Word of God over any and every circumstance, regardless of how it appears. Stay in alignment with God’s Word which is His will. Build your house upon the ROCK…Jesus Christ…a sure foundation. We will never improve on God’s “ancient path.” (Stand at the crossing, and consider the ancient path, that leads to Me. Walk on this path and you will find rest for your souls….See Jeremiah 6:16). 

Jesus said that whoever heard His words and obeyed Him, would be like a wise man who built his house on a rock. (See Matthew 7:24-27) 

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” (Psalm 18:2) 

God wants us to build securely on the Eternal Rock—the Word of God. Jesus is our ROCK..He is the firm foundation that we can build our lives upon. Don’t you dare budge off of God’s Word! Stand strong, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord. Instead of being divided, be determined to obey God! Believe Him, and trust Him! He is always faithful….

God loves you! 

HIS love and mine,

DEBORAH 

Dr. (Rev.) Deborah Starczewski

BOOKS FOR ENCOURAGEMENT AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH BY DEBORAH STARCZEWSKI

 GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed, And Know Your Purpose)….move from drama to destiny, pain to purpose, trials to triumph,

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)…the full account of God raising my husband from death, healing him from two strokes and two open-heart surgeries….25 days at Mercy.  This book will encourage you to take your own leap of faith!

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (WIll America Turn Back To God?)….a must read for all.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, www.starministriesinc.com, and other distributors.