Danger, Isn't Always A Stranger

2 Timothy 3:1-5 “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”
    Holy Cow!! This is TODAY! Our time, we are living in! It just struck me: how 'long of time' is the time of "in the last days"? Scripture tells us, that Gods 'time' and our 'time' are two different things. So, these last days, in order for everyone to have a chance to 'hear the Good News' - these last days could be very long. OR it could end tomorrow. Wow!
     Ok, the very last part of verse 5 jumped out at me: "They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” Rejecting the power. The visual that popped up was of people, like us, gathered together. A crisis of some sort going on. Each one of them are 'acting' like Christians: praying, their talk, actions, helping the family in crisis... however, they really are NOT accepting the power of Jesus thru the Holy Spirit! They do NOT actually believe that God still does miracles in today's time. They are not trusting truly in His power IN THEM!

     Wow and OUCH! How many times do we pray or bring a meal or 'act' religious on the outside, but on the inside these verses describe us?!?! Or describes the people we hang around with?!?! It tells us here: stay away from people like that. Other verses tell us to flee from people & situations like that. So, what if 'they' are your only friends? LISTEN!! You are worthy & valuable! You ARE dearly loved! You are special & chosen BY GOD to be His child!! Ask Him, He will bring you to or bring others to you who ARE good to be with. Yes, we are all human. Yes, we all fall in some of these areas from time to time. But, because of Jesus, His dying on the cross IN OUR PLACE, and His power IN us, we can quickly confess our misgivings/habits/mess-ups/sin - and He INSTANTLY forgives us! Then we do our best to try and NOT do it again. There are a LOT of things listed in these verses here!! If you find yourself in any of them - TURN AWAY from them NOW!! You may not be able to do it on your own, and that's ok - Jesus' power is right there with you to guide & help you/us thru this! HE is the way of escape! Dont be the 'danger' to others in your life. Don't allow the danger of others, be in your life. Boundaries are good, healthy, uplifting, and honoring to God. Today, I pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you. Both of those around you, as well as you in others' lives. May the light of Jesus shine brightly on, in & thru you today! Happy Good Friday!

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