TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
Scripture: Mark 1:9-11

The beginning of Jesus’ ministry was marked by knowing the Father’s will. Verses 9-11 says, “It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, ‘You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” If we live in such a way that we please God, then we have a foundation to walk with God toward fullness. The season that we are entering requires faith from a platform of knowing that we have pleased the Lord. It requires that we live in such a way that our hearts do not condemn us. We please God because we love and serve Him. The church in our generation has never before faced persecution as we see it coming in the days ahead. The Bible says the last days will be like Sodom and Gomorrah and we see similarities unfolding before our very eyes. It is time we realize we are walking in days of unfolding persecution but also of great harvest. Our preparation has to be a biblical bootcamp where we prepare people for war. To be a witness in these days is every bit as difficult as it had to be for Noah when he built the ark. He faced mockery, ridicule and persecution but he was faithful. We find distinct promises of God about this season that also offer us measures of victory. This season is not to be feared, but literally to be embraced as a time when the church can shine brighter than it ever has before. If we know in our hearts that we have pleased God, we have full, covenantal access to everything Jesus bought and paid for. It is obvious we are going to need it! One realization has to arise in us. The end-time church has an assignment that exceeds any other season. It is marked by dramatic judgments as God responds to rising rebellion. We must put these judgments in the context of current events and warn of worse things to come if man refuses to repent. Are we prepared to war and offer salvation in the midst of great devastation?