Times From the time we reach an age of production, when we are capable of participating in things that will change the world around us, we begin to experience and respond to the times formed by those who have come before us. I grew up in the ‘70s during the times of rebellion against wars abroad and at home. They came with godlessness, addictions, and sexual freedom that made way for the self-indulged lifestyles that are part of today’s prime. So, what happens in each period determines the quality of those yet to come. There is an opportunity for those in each time to either withdraw or become a part of the change it brings. We are living now in a time that is part of what came from the ‘70s times and can either choose to experience it alone or participate in transforming it to a different result. While there are times in history that carry with them identity markers in their art, thought, and productivity, there are corresponding times in the Spirit as those things observed in the natural are coming from those in the supernatural. With each of them is a period of preparation, an encounter of their effect, and a response to their experience. Jesus indicated that there would even be times of tribulation that could be assured would not last forever for those who find their strength and joy in Him. The wars, depravity, and natural disasters that are dominating our present time will come to an end and do not have to become the identity of those who run to Him for times of refreshing. From His secure place of confidence and hope, we can participate in a response that prepares for the times of the Father’s plan and passion. In the middle of the chaos, like John the Baptist, we can be among those victoriously preparing the way of the Lord. Notes The American Crisis – Thomas Paine - 1776 “These are the times that try men’s souls.” “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.” G. Michael Hopf kairos Thayer Definition: due measure a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time, hence: 2a) a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for 2b) opportune or seasonable time 2c) the right time 2d) a limited period of time 2e) to what time brings, the state of the times, the things and events of time Times: Come from applied vision – diligence given to a plan Though natural signs – come from spiritual preparations Are time sensitive Can experience or influence Times have identity markers – evil vs holy Matthew 16:1-4 (NLT) 1 One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. 2 He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; 3 red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! 4 Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away. Don’t have to identify with the world’s times John 16:33 (TLB) 33 I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.” Our promise from God – times of refreshing Acts 3:19 (TLB) 19 Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord His perfection makes us capable times-influencers Hebrews 13:20-21 (TPT) 20 Now may the God who brought us peace by raising from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ so that he would be the Great Shepherd of his flock; and by the power of the blood of the eternal covenant 21 may he work perfection into every part of you giving you all that you need to fulfill your destiny. And may he express through you all that is excellent and pleasing to him through your life-union with Jesus the Anointed One who is to receive all glory forever! Amen! Our times in Him – preparing for His plans/times Romans 5:1-2 (TLB) 1 So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be. Our role- to influence times Matthew 17:20 (TPT) 20 He told them, “It was because of your lack of faith. I promise you, if you have faith inside of you no bigger than the size of a small mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move away from here and go over there,’ and you will see it move! There is nothing you couldn’t do! In Him – secured forever Isaiah 59:19-21 (TLB) 19 Then at last they will reverence and glorify the name of God from west to east. For he will come like a flood tide driven by Jehovah’s breath. 20 He will come as a Redeemer to those in Zion who have turned away from sin. 21 “As for me, this is my promise to them,” says the Lord: “My Holy Spirit shall not leave them, and they shall want the good and hate the wrong—they and their children and their children’s children forever.” Overview: In the world is an endless source of times that reflect the spiritual tone and vision of men’s hearts. These times have identity markers that are accepted and followed as if inevitable. For each period there is a preparation, experience, and response time that is limited. Our role in a time can either be conforming to or influencing of. In Christ we are called to experience times of refreshing that are independent from the world’s times. In those times of refreshing, we are empowered to carry God’s transformation to our times. Our times in Him are not time-limited but are preparation for the time of His glory covering the earth. Prayer: Father, I run to You now for the times of refreshing that are mine in Your presence. As I encounter this time, fill me with the revelation of Your glory that will empower me to influence the surrounding times I encounter with Your loving favor. Declarations: In a world of times of chaos and tribulation, I have run to the presence of the Lord, where my times are established in righteousness and holiness. Independent from the world’s influence around me, I have been perfectly united with Christ to express all that is excellent and pleasing to Him for His glory. Since I have been made righteous in Christ I have been brought into a place of highest privilege where I confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for me to be. From my confidence in His presence, I walk in faith, influencing the times around me with authority and mountain-moving power. The times I’ve been given in Christ will never end, covering the whole earth with the revelation of God’s glory.