We read Jude in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today. Look at verses 17-19:
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions which were made by the apostles (the special messengers) of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 18 They told you beforehand, In the last days (in the end time) there will be scoffers [who seek to gratify their own unholy desires], following after their own ungodly passions. 19 It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions—merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life.
THIS is the day in which WE are living! So, do NOT allow discouragement, fear or worry to grab ahold of you! None of this took God by surprise! The GOOD NEWS? Verses 20-23:
20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on
your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher],
praying in the Holy Spirit; 21 Guard and keep yourselves in the
love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ (the Messiah)—[which will bring you] unto life eternal. 22 And on
some have mercy who waver and doubt. 23 [Strive to] save others,
snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear,
loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their
sensuality.
We can live above all that is going on IF we will stay in that place of being aware of God's presence! Remember, with all that is going on, that WE (born again believers in JESUS, are NOT citizens of this earth, but citizens of HEAVEN, sent here as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are seated IN HIM in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6) and we have a different perspective! AMEN! And now we look at Jude 24-25 for THIS encouragement that WE are well able to not just survive these times, but THRIVE in them!
24 Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]— 25 To the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it).
AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Awake My Soul":
Shalom in Him!
