But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. – Acts 26:16-18.

In the world today, filled with violence, despair, regret, and remorse, there is only one place for us to turn, the LORD. Many are glued to the news, waiting to see what will become of the unsettling events regarding Ukraine. It now appears that things can only get worse. Many innocent people on both sides are suffering. For what reason? What is the purpose behind these things? Who is the one behind it all? And, do most even know what they are doing?

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) – Ephesians 2:1-4.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians that there is a “god of this world.” Were you aware that someone else has domain here, someone else has control? “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” – 2 Corinthians 4:3-7.

What? Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? For two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. – 1 Corinthians 6:16-20. The Bible doesn’t say adultery, my dear friends.

While Jesus was suffering through his last moments before His death, He gave a very profound statement, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” As I look at those around me, the Putin’s, Biden’s, Trump’s, and all of their followers, I can only think of one thing, the same statement as given by Jesus Christ. Until you have the Spirit of GOD within you, you are walking to the tune of this world. Regardless of what you would like to believe. Now would be a good time to seek those things above, while forgetting those things which are behind. Don’t look back. Rise, Stand Upon Thy Feet…

Jonathan Heller – Lift Up A Banner