Happy New Year!
As 2022 unfolds, I believe that it will reveal a collision course with the political space and the spiritual space. The Old Testament book of Daniel reveals a time when an evil ruler rises up to conqueror any and everyone in his path. This wicked ruler especially likes those who oppose anyone and anything godly. He will do many things against God and those who follow him.
To me, this is the current political space that is flexing its muscle, not just in America, but globally. It will become more prominent—popular even—as the year progresses. The ones who say they are Christians will become faint-hearted, many will fall away.
These things must happen because the Father’s words (the Bible) tell us so.
One redeeming line in Daniel’s prophecy, in the language of the King James translation, goes something like this, but those who know their God will do exploits. I like the way another translation puts it when it says something like, but those who stay courageously loyal to their God will make a strong stand. What a powerful statement.
For me, the courageously loyal are the Christ-followers who have landed upon this unexpected journey to a close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I say unexpected because sadly religion has taught Christians a form, or ritual of service, calling it being close to God. If you read so much, pray so much, and do so much, then you are close to God.
In one place in the New Testament gospel books, Jesus comments about this by adding that unless the heart (of the Christian) is in it, that it is only religious service. This—the heart—is the key to the unexpected journey to a close personal relationship with the godhead. You do the reading, praying, and doing it out of a desire to get close to God, not check off the to-do list.
A close personal relationship with the godhead is about desire, not obligation. A world-class athlete puts him or herself through very rigorous training because they want to cross the finish line in first place. The same is true with a Christ-follower on this unexpected journey to a close personal relationship with the godhead. They want to see God—and He will show up (in some incredible ways).
As 2022 unfolds, know that things for those who call upon the name of Christ will become more difficult. Some, many according to the Bible, will walk away. But, those who stay courageously loyal to their God will make a strong stand.
I am standing in 2022!