First, my prayer for you this coming year is that it will be the best one you have ever had in the Lord. I pray that you will draw much closer to Him this year, and come to know His ways and His voice much better. I also pray that you will be changed more into His image by seeing more of His glory with your own eyes. His glory is going to be seen by His people this year.

I would also like to thank all of you who sent cards, encouraging words, and even gifts, all of which were very special and meaningful. Thanks.

In Luke 17:20-21 the Lord stated, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” This past week will go down in history as one of the most important weeks in the spiritual history of the world. There were major signs of this, but few observed them.

Our text for this week is Ephesians 4:30-32:

It has now been over two months since the tragic massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. There have been worse tragedies this year, but this one gripped the nation like few others have. It is fitting because this one was like a trip wire which has set off a series of events that have the power to define our future.

Ephesus means, "full purpose." Ephesus was one of the most strategic cities in the first century for both the Roman Empire and the church. It was also the center of worship for the goddess Diana, which represented a satanic counterpart to what the church is called to be.

Last week we briefly discussed how many of the trends in the meltdown that have been occurring in America are following a very definite pattern of God’s judgment on a nation. However, we must keep in mind that there are several different types of God’s judgment in Scripture, and only one is condemnation or destruction. God’s judgment is His discipline, and He disciplines those He loves. The worst thing that could happen to us is to go astray and for Him not judge us.

People mobilize for a cause, and then they follow leaders in pursuit of that cause. In the case of an army, the possibility of future conflicts could result in injury or even death, so for one to mobilize, there must be a high degree of belief in the cause. To endure the daily discipline and training that is required to become part of an army also requires a continuing, deepening, and enduring devotion to the cause. Articulation of the cause and then building on the foundation of devotion to a noble cause is crucial for leadership.

     As we have covered, “the great time of trouble,” or what many call “the great tribulation,” is basically the result of men trying to run this world without God. The harvest that Jesus said is the end of the age is the reaping of everything that has been sown in man, the good and the evil. Both light and darkness are coming to full maturity.

Revival, renewal, awakening--none of these words seem big enough to describe what is currently taking place in Africa. Entire regions are being radically impacted by the gospel, and whole cities are falling to their knees confessing Jesus as Lord. Looking at the numbers, there is nothing in history to compare with the present move of God in Africa. One African newspaper reported last year that "Africa is Being Saved."

     The cauldron where prophets are made, as well as every other ministry, is the local church. We need all of the irritations and frustrations of local church life to mature in Christ. Those who run from these challenges have their growth and potential usefulness stunted at best.