Speaking of the signs of the end of the age , Matthew 24:10-12,says: “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

I cannot say, without a doubt, that we are living in the end times. However, we know for sure that we are closer to it than we have ever been before in history.  I also think we can point to many things happening in the world and even in the places where we live that make us think that the end times are near, if not right upon us.

As I watch people I know and love fulfill Matthew 24:10-12, I wonder how could such things happen to people who profess, love, and serve Jesus Christ?  I am reminded that none of us is exempt from falling.  We must choose everyday to “continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:27a.

In I Peter 3 it talks about the Day of the Lord and verse 11 says, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?  You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”

We must guard our hearts and minds from every evil thought and intent.  We must not allow ourselves the slightest bit of room to harbor offense, unforgiveness, self-pity, pride, judgment, slander, false accusation, condemnation, discontent, ungratefulness, fear, sexual immorality, or any sort of malice.  We must give no place to the devil.

My husband uses a product called Great Stuff to plug holes and cracks around pipes and other places in and under the house where water or critters could enter.  It is liquid so when you spray it so it goes thoroughly and easily into the tiniest crack. Then it quickly expands and hardens into a Styrofoam type substance completely closing the opening.  It really is “great stuff” for the problem at hand.

I was reminded of this product as I was thinking about how we allow even the tiniest crack of sin or evil into our souls, the enemy is like that “great stuff.”  He slides in quickly and easily, filling that space with “not so great stuff” and the longer it stays the harder and bigger it gets until it blocks the truth and flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  We become blind and hardened to the Truth.  We are deceived.

“Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith . . .”  I Peter 5:8-9.

“Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”  Ephesians 5:15-17.

Keep very short accounts with the Lord, my sisters, lest any cracks or crevices appear in your soul and get filled with the “not so great stuff.”

We must always encourage one another and build each other up in the faith.  Staying in fellowship, immersing ourselves in the Word and going about doing good.  Praising and thanking God for His mercy and goodness toward us and choosing to live holy and godly lives.  Thereby, we remain in His Glorious Presence and whatever fine lines of sin appear in our souls, they are quickly sealed by His Redeeming Blood, the really “Great Stuff!”

There is such a wonderful opportunity to participate in all of the above at the next Wellspring Ladies Conference being held at Valley Community Church in Weldon, NC, on August 6-7.  Come and share in the Glory of the Lord!  We are so excited about seeing you there!

Saundra Littleton

Saundra Littleton is in charge of hospitality for Wellspring, which is appropriate since she has a gift for hospitality. If Saundra could give one piece of advice, it would be to put Jesus first in everything you do! Submit yourself to Him wholly. Delight in Him, your Saviour, your friend, the Lover of your soul, your Priest and Intercessor, your King, and out of this will come blessing, strength, health, love, peace, endurance, wisdom, discernment, everything you could ever want or need to walk through this life in victory and glorifying God.