Here in the United States, the country will celebrate the 4th of July. This day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776—when the United States declared its intention to break away from Britain and become its own nation. 

One of the founding ideas by the men who wrote the Declaration of Independence was their conviction that everyone had individual rights, along with equality and the concept of democracy. Over the last couple of hundred years, this nation has enjoyed freedoms and rights which most other countries in the world have not experienced. God blessed the United States because of His promise to Abraham who had throughout his entire life displayed the righteousness, faith and confidence in God.

While we have freedoms today, these freedoms are slowly but surely being taken away. This is because the United States at large and the other English-speaking nations have all but rejected God. They are not following after God and His Commandments as their forefather Abraham did. They all make excuses and refuse to truly obey God because they have used this idea of Freedom wrongly and are reaping the consequences that God has laid forth in Scripture. 

As Christians who uphold the Truth and attempt to live by the Words of the Bible, we need to realize that we are NOT free to do whatever we please. Unlike the world at this time, we are being judged by the standard of keeping the Ten Commandments and, by extension, showing Godly agape love. 

What is fascinating to me is that the world is seeking freedom, and if they could truly understand and see, they would find that true freedom comes from obedience to God’s Ways which, when followed perfectly, produce true love, peace and freedom. 

Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” This whole chapter goes on to iterate true freedom and what its effects are. Essentially, it boils down to using God’s Spirit which provides the best way to obtain true freedom. 

One of the things that I admire about the Apostle Paul was his undying love for the people in the Church. He spent a lot of time and effort attempting to help these people. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, he talks about how his freedom was used—not for himself but for the good of everyone else: “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (New International Version).

That is the ultimate use of one’s freedom—to spend one’s self for the good of others. Christ Himself stated that this is the highest example of love that any of us can give (John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends”). Christ also did this in laying down His perfect life for us and took on our sins. While we may not lay down our lives in the way that Christ did, we have opportunities to lay down our lives in greater service for the good of those who are in the Church—a selfless approach that brings true freedom. 

As we live our lives and grow in the use and application of God’s Spirit, we should begin to see that these ways of thinking and acting are not even for ourselves or others, but for the opportunity to glorify God and honor and show love to Him. This is exactly what Christ was pointing to when He said that the greatest two commandments are to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself” (compare Matthew 22:37-40). One of the most important things we must realize is that our freedom is not to be used in self-serving. Paul wrote to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit [which] is in you, [which] you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 

Our freedom is a beautiful thing. But we must realize that our freedom required a price—the death of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18–19). With this in mind, we can and should continue on in living this new life that we have been given so we can bring honor and glory to God as is fitting, because this is part of what we have been called to do (Ephesians 2:10). 

True freedom can and will ONLY be found through submitting our lives more and more fully to our Creator and Sustainer. 

Due to differences in upbringing, experiences and backgrounds, each of us has developed a different level of resilience. Likewise, everyone has their own learned strategies for dealing with problems, losses, or setbacks in life.

Every person has their own unique, acquired values, hopes, and resources in life. Jesus called them “your treasure,” where your heart will be, and also “the light.” In Matthew 6:21-22, it says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.”

These are the things we focus on and rely on to give our lives meaning, a sense of belonging, a sense of self-worth, and security.

That is why it is important to be aware of what your true treasures, your hopes, and your values are! These can be false values, desires, or feelings that Satan has planted in our minds or that we have adopted from our society, which is cut off from God and His ways.

People who are separated from God have different, mostly false values, ideals, and hopes, and they have different physical, emotional and spiritual resources to achieve their desired goals.

Consequently, they have different breaking points when their hopes or resources fail. People may or may not be aware of their limitations. They are relegated to the subconscious or they are denied. For many, these limitations on their resources have never been put to the test.

The experience of failure that triggers fear, hopelessness, or depression can be different for one person than for another.

The triggers can be very different: for example, one person may not be able to achieve or maintain the desired financial status. For another person, it may be the loss or inability to have a best friend or an ideal spouse.

Another trigger may be not getting the desired job or not maintaining a great position in life. Other causes include the loss of health or the prospect of death.

Other causes of negative feelings include the loss of physical attractiveness or beauty, the loss of certain material possessions, or the loss of children, as well as something bad happening to them.

It is not wrong to want to be loved. It is not wrong to enjoy a respected status or have possessions, or to achieve a certain security for ourselves and our children.

All of these things are legitimate and good when they are obtained in accordance with God’s laws, when we can afford them, and when we use them properly.

In the Bible, Jesus teaches: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25).

Jesus taught that there is a purpose to our lives that goes beyond physical life. All the gifts or opportunities we may have in this physical existence, whether they be human, physical, or other benefits, are temporary and transitory.

They are only tools that serve to achieve something higher and eternal, which is to understand the true meaning of our own existence and to develop a godly character.

This purpose in life is so great and important that Jesus taught us not to fear what people might do to us if we follow His ways. The worst they can do is threaten or end our physical life, but they do not have the power to prevent us from gaining eternal life.

Physical possessions or opportunities should be valued and cared for as long as they exist. But they are not forever. They are not the real meaning of life. Yet all of us who have erred in times past have turned them into that!

Current developments show that more and more people are placing their hearts, devotion, and sense of self-worth entirely on people, physical possessions, or sensual pleasures.

At the same time, the consequences of Satan’s influence in the lives of individuals and nations are clearly evident: war, disease, economic instability, family breakdown, crime, and violence. We have never experienced a time before when all the transitory things and hopes have been so endangered even though people have placed their trust and hope in them!]

It is time to ask ourselves what the most important values in our lives are.

All of this can be found in the Bible. It reveals the answers we have been searching for.

Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger

God gives us all kinds of experiences to enjoy. And sometimes, He gives us experiences that we do not enjoy. We don’t necessarily get to choose what our circumstances are, but we get to choose how we respond. The choices we make in reaction to our circumstances demonstrate the motivations of our heart. It is not only our action, but also our heart which God will judge (compare Jeremiah 11:20). This is why we get to have such a wide array of experiences. God tests us, expecting that we will navigate through our experiences, good and bad, without forsaking Him.

There are many stories in the Bible that review the range of experiences of being human. I am particularly fond of the story of Hannah. It gives us an example showing the unwavering trust in God through the good and the bad circumstances she experienced. She was barren for years, and at the brink of desperation, desiring a child. She pleaded before God to allow her to have a little boy of her own. Then she conceived and became tremendously thankful. To honor God’s generosity and mercy, she gave custody of her boy Samuel to the priest, placing him into the service of God. She proved her faith in the most trying times and then glorified God when He blessed her with the child she pleaded for (compare 1 Samuel 1:1-28).

We can learn much from Hannah’s attitude. In her song recorded in the Bible, we read about her wise perspective regarding God’s involvement in people’s lives: “The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, And He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, But the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail” (1 Samuel 2:6-9).

From her words we understand how she acknowledges the power of God to expose us to experiences that run the gamut, from desperation to delight. However, she is wise enough to recognize that what really matters is that He is totally involved in the lives of His people, whether times are good or bad. Her response in both the good times and the tough times demonstrated consistent trust in Him, giving Him glory through it all. The range of circumstances that God allows or even prepares for us are there for us to learn from and use for our growth. The best part about His involvement is the overarching intent He has for us. He will protect and ultimately glorify those saints who are faithful to Him.

Sometimes, we might feel that life is not fair. But we must remember, God knows what He is doing and that He cares for us. Whatever it is that we experience is what He knows about and sometimes even directly prepares for us, so that we can take it as an opportunity to do good works (compare Ephesians 2:10). He knows that we can endure through the hard times. He gives us experiences to learn from, and in that, we should see those difficult circumstances as being valuable. When we are able to acknowledge this fact, it is easier to respond in faith, trusting Him as in the example of Hannah.

God never promised that life would be easy for those who obey Him. But He does promise that those who endure to the end will be saved (compare Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13). We can trust in this, helping us to not get distracted by the challenges we face.

When Jesus was standing before Pilate, He made the comment that He was born and came into the world that He should bear witness to the Truth, and that everyone who is of the Truth hears Him. Pilate then asked a question sarcastically, without wanting an answer, “What is truth?” (Compare John 18:37-38.)

That is actually a very good question. What is Truth? How can we know that what we know is the Truth? Where does Truth come from? How should we handle the Truth?

To Pilate, Truth depended on what was politically expedient at the time. What gave him favor with those he was pleasing.

Even to historians, Truth varies or becomes colored, depending on who has commissioned the writing of historical events. If a history book put a current king of that time in a bad light, the historian may not have lived to see his book published.

So what is Truth? I found a number of definitions, of which I will quote a few:

–The true or actual state of a matter

–Conformity with fact

–A verified or indisputable fact or reality

–Honesty, Integrity

–Accuracy

–Agreement with a standard or original.

This last definition is very useful, and it will be mentioned later.

How do we know that we have Truth when many religions say they have “truth” and their “truth” is different from what we believe? Is it because of our superior intelligence? Are we so smart that we can work out logically what Truth is?

When I think about Church members, myself included, I recognize people who are fallible, people who make mistakes, people who are human, subject to error. We are not the most intelligent people in the world, even as God tells us, “not many wise according to the flesh” are called (compare 1 Corinthians 1:26). So it is not our intelligence that enables us to know the Truth.

In fact, it is because we know that we are fallible that we can come to know the Truth. We are willing to admit that what we previously thought we knew, before our conversion, may have been wrong, especially about God and His Church. Because of that, we can change when the Truth is pointed out to us.

Many really intelligent people who know they are intelligent find it very hard to admit error. It hurts their pride too much to admit that they could be wrong.

But what is more important than knowing we are fallible, and being willing to change, is that real Truth can only come by God’s inspiration. Once we have that inspiration from God, we can prove that the Bible is His Word, for instance, by means of fulfilled prophecy. We can also prove God exists by the facts of science and the wonders of creation.

So without God’s inspiration, we cannot know the Truth about the meaning of life, or of any spiritual Truths like, Why are we here? What are we? What does the future hold? How can we attain eternal life?

So to understand these Truths, we have to admit that we are human and subject to error. We need to change, again, which God makes possible as He grants repentance (see 2 Timothy 2:25), and we need God’s Holy Spirit, and then we can know the Truth.

God gives us much instruction about handling the Truth.

Actually, in this world, there are people who do get to the bottom of a matter. People conducting inquiries like judges or lawyers. These people also know that humans are fallible. The majority of the information people relate is exaggerated, colored, misinterpreted, based on assumptions, or just altogether false.

These judges and lawyers know that in order to arrive at the actual truth of the matter, diligent inquiry is necessary to sift fact from falsehood. They know that what the majority believe or what “they say” may not be true.

If you say something to them, they may ask you, “How do you know that is true? Did someone tell you or did you see the event yourself? Is it effectively hearsay or is it something you are fully aware of and know to be a fact? Can you prove it?”

This is how God instructs us to handle His Truth. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 tells us to “Test all things; hold fast what is good,” or as the Authorized Version says, “Prove all things.” Don’t believe anything without proof, even things we may have believed all our lives. Be willing to change when proven wrong.

Romans 12:2 tells us: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” We have to prove that God’s Way is better than the way of the world, and be changed to live that Way. We must not just assume because someone tells us, but make a diligent search into God’s Word and into His promises, to see what is really true.

Let us look again at that last definition of Truth, “Agreement with a standard or original.” We remember that Christ said in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” The Bible is the standard for spiritual and moral Truth and that should be what we compare Truth against. Anything that does not match up is not God’s Truth.

Looking at the first recorded human sin, Adam and Eve had God’s Word, the Truth that if they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they would die, but Satan deceived Eve with a lie. She did not compare Satan’s words with God’s Truth. And once one lie is believed, it is easier to accept other lies and be totally deceived.

In the love chapter, we can read that the righteous man rejoices in the Truth (compare 1 Corinthians 13:6). The first part of the armor of God is to have your waist girded with Truth (see Ephesians 6:14). Truth is protective against being deceived and led astray by Satan or evil spirits.

So we need to walk in the Truth, studying it so we can rightly divide it. But God gives a very important warning in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-13: “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish…” Why? “…because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.”

So, to please God, we must believe the Truth, which is of course, God’s Truth. But even more so, we must have the love of the Truth. We must cherish the Truth, seek it diligently and apply it in our lives every day.

Remember, God’s Word is Truth.

When I read the article “Anyone who withdraws €3,000 in Spain will be monitored” in our German Edition of the Weltnachrichten, I was initially appalled. The Express newspaper wrote the following: “Anyone in Spain who wants to withdraw large sums of cash from their account will in the future have to inform the tax authorities in advance… When registering, the purpose of the withdrawal must be stated as well as the identity of the person making the withdrawal and, if different, the recipient.

“Non-compliance can be expensive: fines range from 1 to 10 percent of the amount withdrawn – in extreme cases, up to €150,000.

“Even those who regularly withdraw smaller amounts of around €800 or €900 can come under the scrutiny of the authorities if there is no plausible reason for doing so. Banks are now obliged to report suspicious activities – even if they remain below the thresholds.”

However, this approach, as currently practiced in Spain, is not unique in the EU.

Verbraucherschutzforum.Berlin (a platform that deals with consumer protection) published the following information on its website on April 28, 2025:

“An important change that all citizens should be aware of: The European Union has introduced an upper limit for cash transactions. With immediate effect, a maximum of €10,000 may be handed over in cash anywhere in the EU – anything above this amount will be strictly regulated. Anyone who fails to comply risks severe penalties.”

Then there is another type of surveillance that Germany in particular is very interested in and that the EU would like to introduce. This is the so-called “social credit system,” which is already well established in China.

Please note the following excerpts from an article by Frau von Hassel in the “Bayerische Gemeinde Zeitung” from December 2022:

“Social scoring coming soon to Bavaria?

“2G/3G has led to the acceptance of mutual control in a very short time. (2G: vaccinated or recovered; 3G: vaccinated, recovered, or tested). Everyone now has various apps on their smartphones that voluntarily provide data on whether law-abiding citizens are complying with all the measures imposed. But how far away is this scenario really from a social scoring system or social credit system, as has already been introduced in China? Are structures not being created here that could be brought into sharp focus and abused in the near future?…

“Bologna and Vienna are currently introducing a social credit system (light) on a trial basis. These systems are based on the concept of sustainability. Anyone who acts in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner can benefit from this. The conditions for this are already in place in Bavaria. The aim is to promote sustainable behavior in everyday life by rewarding environmentally conscious actions. It is intended to send a signal to companies and citizens.”

What exactly is this social credit system?

The social credit system is a method of assessing individuals or situations using rating scales. A citizen’s social credit score rises based on socially desirable actions, such as paying taxes or buying Chinese products. However, it also drops if a person exhibits behavior that the state considers dishonest or otherwise problematic, such as committing a crime or making negative statements about the government.

At first glance, it seems very frightening when you consider that we are on the verge of establishing this totalitarian surveillance state, which will be none other than the final resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire. And it is precisely these scenarios that should remind us of the warnings Jesus Christ gave us in the Gospels and in the Book of Revelation. But Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Joel, and many others also warn us precisely of such a dictatorship, which is prophesied for the end times.

We read in Revelation 13:16-17: “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast…”

It is about disregarding God’s commandments and no longer obeying them and instead giving full obedience to the state! As frightening and monstrous as it may be, it is also sobering when one becomes aware of God’s revelation.

All this madness that is now coming upon us must not frighten us, neither the punishments nor the people who will use this system against true Christians.

Paul tells us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

And Solomon wrote: “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).

Christ gives us a firm confidence in His great help: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Our trust in God and Jesus Christ must remain unshakable, and we must hold fast to the conviction that God will protect us in all our distress!

Christ told us: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). Furthermore: “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

Let us together hold fast to this confidence and strengthen one another so that we may all enter the Kingdom of God. We ought to obey God rather than men!

Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger

With current and looming problems in full effect around the world, bringing about increasing instability, due to ongoing threats, terrorism, and unrest all around, how are we to deal with this and where are WE to place our trust? Members and associates of the true Church of God are admonished to “be sober, be vigilant,” or, in other words, self-controlled and watchful, “because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).  

Being sober and being vigilant both go hand in hand, for if we are not sober or in a clear state of mind, then we can be caught off guard, which could lead us to sin because of temptation.  Sobriety and watchfulness are very necessary for our Christian life, and if we are not sober in body and mind, we would not be watchful over ourselves and also over world events in fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

Peter continues on explaining why we are to be sober and vigilant by saying, “…because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”  Satan is our enemy, our opponent.  The Bible commentary, Barnes’ Notes of the Bible, explains that “Satan opposes man in his best interests. He resists his efforts to do good; his purposes to return to God; his attempts to secure his own salvation. There is no more appropriate appellation that can be given to him than to say that he resists all our efforts to obey God and to secure the salvation of our own souls.”

So then, Satan will do everything in his power to deter us, to throw us off guard, making sure that we will fail.  He will use any means possible in ways we probably wouldn’t recognize at first, and that is why we need to be circumspect at ALL times.

We are aware that Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4; John 12:31), and he is responsible for many terrible disasters to occur, keeping in mind that God allows them to happen.  Insofar as the Church is concerned, we may not necessarily fall victim to those who have lost their lives in such extreme and horrific ways, but Satan uses his cunning craftiness to attack us, to strike us where we are weak and where we may struggle, tempting us to sin, trying to make sure that we will not succeed, but only to FAIL. 

We CAN succeed and God expects that of us.  God provides us with tools and promises if we put our trust in Him.  By remaining vigilant, we can protect ourselves by putting on the whole armor of God (compare Ephesians 6:11-18).

We have a bigger challenge ahead of us, compared to the rest of the world, for we have the knowledge and the understanding as to how to defeat Satan, to overcome our trials and to live a righteous godly life, for God has chosen US now to come out of this world, and He has given US, as the firstfruits, the first opportunity to inherit eternal salvation, ahead of all others.

Because we know this, we can also expect to go through trials continuously which God allows, to test our strength and commitment to see whether or not we will overcome until the end and be counted worthy, so we can ultimately be a part of God’s Family (compare Matthew 24:13; Luke 21:36; Revelation 2:26). 

Satan is compared to a roaring lion that seeks those whom he wants to devour.  Yet in Revelation 12:12, a warning is placed to everyone on this earth, especially God’s elect, when Satan will attack. “…Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Satan will strike as a roaring lion, implying his violent and voracious thirst for prey as a hungry beast.

We continue to preach that we are living in the end time and Christ’s return is near, and therefore we must understand how QUICKLY things can materialize.  If we are not watchful, but rather ignorant to what is happening around the world, as things continue to progress in light of biblical prophecy, then we will be in the same category of people as Christ explains in Matthew 24:48-51 where “the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of” and we will be caught unaware (also compare Mark 13:32-37).

We have a duty to fulfill. Jesus Christ makes it very clear how vigilant we must be at ALL times, in ANY situation.  Our calling to the Truth should not be taken for granted; neither is it a free pass to everlasting life, but it is something we need to work at continually, asking God for more wisdom and strength so that we can overcome Satan’s schemes. 

In January 2025, I looked at the BBC Parliament Channel on television and saw a discussion entitled, “Flood Resilience in England”. Here were the great in London and via video calls giving evidence, information and suggestions on this subject.

The Environmental Audit Committee was undertaking an inquiry on how flood resilience can be strengthened in response to increasing risks from extreme weather, rising sea levels, and evolving flood hazards.

There seemed to be about 20 in the chamber which included politicians, professors and other interested and involved parties.

Their concerns were that in England, an estimated 5.7 million properties are at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water, and groundwater.  A number of recent problems outlined the challenges that have brought flood risk management back into the national spotlight.

It was stated on the TV channel that “looking to the future, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) anticipates that by 2050, the UK will face warmer, wetter winters, hotter, drier summers, and continued sea level rises.  Sea levels, which have already risen by 16cm since 1900, could place a third of England’s coastline under significant flood pressure. Flooding and coastal erosion are complex issues with serious economic, social, and environmental consequences. They pose significant risks to lives, health, homes, and infrastructure, yet the best path forward remains uncertain. Critical national infrastructure—including water supply systems, rail networks, and electricity grids—face vulnerabilities that will require careful evaluation and planning.”

Many would question the accuracy of their predictions. Still, their concerns and considerations, at least in a general way, should be taken seriously, as prevention is always better than a cure.   However, these are not the only critical issues to be addressed in a nation deluged with a seemingly endless list of problem areas.   Wherever you look, very little is working perfectly, and endless meetings, committees, commissions, talks and task forces, both local and national, convene to grapple with the problems confronting them and the nation.   It seems to be an endless grind and even when decisions are found, rarely is there enough money to fund the required action.

Sound familiar?  It should be as it seems to not only be a UK problem but extant in so many countries and areas around the world.   Why should it be?

Simply answered, it is because God is ignored.   The Bible is full of admonitions about how to do this, that and the other, but man always seems to know best and pursues his own line of reasoning and implementation.

God gave His Commandments for man to follow for his own well-being.   Many ignore them, even including those who say that they love God.   God gives counsel and rules in so many areas of our lives, and most of those are disregarded or rejected such as how to treat and deal with others, our own personal godly example, correct worship, tithing, eating only clean foods and correct sexual practices, and much more.

In Proverbs 11:1, we read: “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight.”   We should never cheat anyone either personally or in business but how often is that ignored?   We should never lie to others just to get our way or the best in a business deal.   No shady deals.  The list could go on and on, but because God and His Ways are ignored, problems inevitably ensue.   

It will not be so in the Millennium.  All things will be done in a Godly fashion for the benefit of all concerned.   Jesus Christ and other born-again members of the Family of God at that time will ensure that all of God’s instructions are adhered to and the result will be a complete removal of all the problems that man has himself created and is now looking at how to deal with them.   And this has been because God and His Way have been ignored.   In the future, it will not be as it is currently.   Think tanks, conferences, symposiums, assemblies and gatherings will not be necessary as they are today, as matters will be dealt with perfectly from inception, therefore not requiring any remedial action.   Perfect from the get-go.

The difference will be stark, and the right Way will last for eternity!

Now that the weather in our northern hemisphere is warming up and summer is approaching fast, we find ourselves getting involved in things we cannot do in the fall and winter, when the weather starts to turn. One of the first things that has to be done up here in Canada is the raking of all the leaves and branches which may have been broken by winds in the wintertime or broken by the weight of snow. Depending on the yard, that can be quite a chore, including preparations as far as fertilizer is concerned and getting the soil ready for planting. As the weather warms up, we have more outdoor activities and projects that can take up our time which is not so much an issue in the winter when we could spend more time on maintaining our relationship with God.

When we have a lot on our plate, we could get distracted, and we may start going down roads that take up time and take away from the things we ought to be doing.

It’s important to prioritize our time and not to neglect our prayer and Bible study which will otherwise cause a setback in our relationship with God. Satan is always there to provide ample opportunities for distractions, misdirection and getting us going on projects that take away time we should be spending in prayer and in studying the Bible. If we start neglecting our relationship with God, it could lead to sin, and then Satan accuses us before God of conduct which he instigated in the first place.

Summertime is a busy time for all, and it’s great to get out of the house and enjoy nature and more sunshine from the cold gloomy winter, and we appreciate the things we can do which we cannot do in the winter, but we have to make sure we are not robbing God of the time we should be spending with Him. God wants us to have a full and joyful life, but let’s ensure we don’t give in to the many possible distractions which might cause us to neglect God.

When Jesus was asked about the sign of His return, He listed a series of events which must happen first. He began by warning against deception, saying that many would come in His name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will deceive many (Matthew 24:4-5). They would come to say several things: They would admit that Jesus was the Messiah, but they would deceive many by proclaiming a false Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4) who had come to do away with His Father’s Commandments (Matthew 5:17), including the law against fighting and killing in war. They would also claim that they would be Jesus—as the man of sin will do (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), sitting in the Temple of God, pretending to be God or Jesus who had allegedly returned in his person. Thirdly, they would also proclaim that they are “the Christ” in the sense of “the Messiah”—the Savior or the Deliverer, as so many have claimed in the past and are claiming today.

Christ repeated His warning later on when offense, betrayal and hatred would run rampant (Matthew 24:10). He told us that then “many false prophets will rise and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). Many claiming to work for God would deceive many, causing lawlessness to abide and the diminishing of God’s love in His people (verse 12). All of this was to occur when the Gospel of the Kingdom would be preached in all the world, and THEN the end of this present evil society will come (verse 14).

We have undoubtedly reached the beginning of that time period (verses 32-34). There are many political and religious leaders, tyrants and despots today who claim or are being viewed as the Savior of mankind, or at least of their countries over which they rule. There are quite a few who have national ambitions of greatness and expansion, of conquering lands which are not their own. But when we warn about this in our StandingWatch programs, sermons and our literature, we are met, at times, with rejection and outright hatred, and sometimes, this even includes viewers and listeners who claim to be in the Body of Christ. Betrayal to government officials might be next, and undoubtedly, hatred will increase, as Christ proclaimed that we will be hated by all nations for His name’s sake (verse 9). Yes, we will continue to proclaim the message of the Gospel which Christ brought—that none of the political or religious leaders are our Savior, and that only Jesus Christ is the One who will come back to establish God’s Kingdom and Rule here on earth and to bring us peace and make an end to war.

What we are observing now are the beginning of sorrows (verse 8), but we have to endure to the end in order to be saved (verse 13). We have to resist all political and religious propaganda which proclaims a false message, lest we be deceived.

When the beast manifests himself in Europe, most people will follow and even “worship” him (Revelation 13:12) and “his image” (Revelation 19:20); but not those who believe the Truth and recognize him as for what he is (Revelation 13:8). But those who resist will be persecuted and might even be killed (Revelation 13:15) … hatred of their fellow man will have reached a climax.

God’s warning to us is loud and clear: Come out of Babylon with its false religious and political teachers and doctrines (Revelation 18:4); and do not even touch anything what is unclean, and then—only then—will God the Father accept us as His sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

It seems that Eve didn’t understand or believe the difference or the consequences between what was true and what wasn’t true. God warned Adam and Eve that disobedience to Him would result in their death. Satan, however, deceived Eve with a lie, saying, “‘You will not surely die…’” (Genesis 3:4).

Reading the account about how easily both Adam and Eve sinned should cause us to reflect on ourselves when we face Satan’s deception. Add to that the fact that Satan has deceived the whole world and continues to do so (1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:9).

Christians have been called to overcome the deception of Satan, but he still relentlessly seeks to deceive us (1 Peter 5:8). We would be mistaken to think that we can’t be deceived. The Apostle Paul confessed his own struggle in this regard, saying: “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin” (Romans 7:24-25).

The Apostle James addressed overcoming temptation and the repercussions of falling for deception:

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:12-16).

As human beings, we can’t overcome sin on our own. Just as quoted above about Paul, we need the help of Jesus Christ, Who was tempted but Who never sinned. Satan sought to deceive Jesus by challenging Him with lies, but Jesus overcame him with the Truth and with His commitment to obey God (Matthew 4:1-11). Through God’s Holy Spirit, Christians have help to defeat Satan’s deception:

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Deception is powerful, and it can destroy our faith and trust in God. Yet, Jesus gives us the key to overcome the lies of Satan and his rule over this world. That is to know and choose the Truth (John 8:32). Paul adds this instruction for us:

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

Let’s not make it easy for Satan to deceive us. Rather, we must grow stronger and stronger in our obedience to Jesus Christ and the Father so that we may be found worthy of our calling to salvation in the coming Kingdom of God.