Carol Ann rejoices with enthusiasm in all God is and shares a strong passion for writing biblical truths in a matter-of-fact way. Her heart for sharing the power of God and the importance of our dependence on God and not on ourselves is her primary objective in all her writings. Carol publishes a bi-monthly newsletter "The Agape Light" and this article is an excerpt from the May/June 2006 issue.
Similarities to End Times
By Carol Ann Caster
“ As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you are complete in Him, Who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:6-10
Now more than ever the battle between Truth and falsehood rages. Many voices are heard throughout the earth, as doctrines of demons are spewed out of the mouths of vessels upon whose hearts the lies of anti-Christ are enthroned. They speak words that on the surface sound as though they hold wisdom and help, but are only roadmaps that lead further away from the path to eternal life.
Many saints are weary, confused and disheartened. Their hearts are steadfast, but a tug of war ensues within their souls. Much is happening within our midst that bears the fingerprints of the LaodiceaChurch age. In addition, leaders who have been revered as spiritually grounded in integrity are being exposed in deeds of unrighteousness. As the battle continues, doubts beat against the minds of the people of God like stormy waves against a lighthouse. What is going on Father? We believe Lord; please help our unbelief! Yet why are we surprised at this fiery ordeal? In Daniel 12:10 it was prophesied that a time would come, and is even here, when: “many will be purged, purified and refined; but the wicked will act wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.”
The Hebrew word for “insight” is “sakal” meaning to act purposely, to have understanding, to pay attention and turn the mind to. By its very definition, we are taught that insight involves more than just a mindset or agreement. It denotes action and living participation in what we believe, as revealed in the light of God’s wisdom and truth. “As a man thinks, so is he.” (Pr. 23:7). That is why our God instructs us by His Word in Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Webster’s definition of “transform” is: “to change the nature, function, or condition of”. We must turn our minds away from the philosophy and empty deceit of the basic principles of the world that have crept into the Church. It is imperative that we concentrate on those things that have been revealed and proved by the One Who is the Promise. We become conformed to the very thing we believe. Our very natures are transformed by His Word, enabling us to function as the new creations we are in Him. As we believe God, we are made more into His image and our actions mirror His.
Likewise in Colossians, we are enlightened that as we have received Christ Jesus, we are to walk in Him. It does not say to walk “along side of” but rather “in” Him. Jesus Christ is the Living Word. Therefore, we are to walk “in” His Word. In Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily and we are complete in Him! So what should be impossible for us? What should be too difficult? Where can we possibly lack? All confusion, discouragement and darkness scatter like roaches in the Light of God’s promises. Everything becomes clear to us in wisdom and understanding when seen through spiritual eyes. Insight enables us to see into the heart of the matter rather than looking with natural sight superficially. Truth provides 20/20 vision in the Spirit. When we look at things from inside the Word, His Light exposes all falsehood and enables us to operate with the Mind of Christ. We can live victoriously because the Living Word has accomplished everything for us, and has made all things known to us by His Spirit. Therefore, no matter what has come against us or how convincing the words of the world can sound, we will live and move and have our being in Him in victory and power!
Thus, nothing the enemy has purposed will be successful against a legitimate child of God. Walking in the Living Word insulates us from all the schemes of Satan. Our Abba Father guards over us with jealous protection providing a barrier that cannot be penetrated by any force, weapon or falsehood. Principalities shudder and flee at His Presence. We are safe in Him! We are victorious in Him! We are powerful in Him! We will not be shaken when storms come or things happen that are difficult to understand with our natural minds. If we trust in the Lord with all our heart, and lean not to our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge Him (Pr. 3:5-6), then our ways will be made straight and we will not stumble over obstacles thrown our way.
Do not let anyone cheat or deceive you with empty and vain words. Rather, let us continue to be rooted and built up in Him and established in the Faith. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and the One Who leads us into all Truth. To know Him is to know His Word. We need to have the roots of our belief system run deep and strong. Then we will not be shaken or moved when the attacks come.
All of our trust and hope must remain in His Word, for only His Word can be trusted. Read His Word; love His Word; live His Word! Reverence His Holy Name and worship His Majesty! Be thankful for all He has done! Thank Him for His shed Blood, His suffering, death and glorious Resurrection! He did it all to save us from the wages of sin which is death, and grant us Eternal Life with Him! A thankful heart creates the atmosphere for abundant living in the midst of any adversity.
And praise Him in all things. For truly He is worthy of all praise, all honor, all glory for evermore! In Him we are victorious and have need of nothing! But above all, praise Him for Who He is because He is so Wonderful and so Awesome!
