We are to set ourselves aside for God's purposes, even though it means a radical change of our life style.

I am speaking now to the ordinary believer, the ordinary church member.

You and I must absolutely be prepared to leave all with which we are familiar, if it comes to that, in order that we may do what God has called us to do.

Your contribution is as important as mine. I have had to set myself aside to do what God has called me to do, and so do you. I am a public-school educator by profession. God made me know I was to leave my profession and teach what He has shown me. This I have done and God has supplied all my needs.

If I have helped even one person to walk in the ways of righteousness I will count my life to have been spent well.

The profession of education is always learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth. I am glad I left it because I can see the eternal value of what I am doing. Hopefully many will be able to stand in the coming spiritual darkness because of my efforts in the Lord.

I desire for you the same move into that which is genuinely worthwhile. Will you do it?

If you are to stand and help your loved ones and others to stand in the spiritual oppression of the future you absolutely must:

Set aside a time for prayer each day.

Meditate in the Scriptures continually.

Place everything on the altar of God.

Live in and by Christ.

Put on the whole armor of God.

Learn to live in the heavenlies.

Confess and renounce your sins promptly.

Refuse to fret.

Look only to Jesus.

Set yourself aside for God's purposes, for Christ and His Gospel.

None of the ten practices I have set forth can be omitted without endangering your future and the future of those who trust in you.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10—NIV)

When we are living so as to please the Lord we have absolutely nothing to fear.

King David was attacked continually by enemies outside of Israel and within Israel. David knew well the oppressive terror of destruction and death. Yet David found comfort and perfect safety in the Lord.

I love you, O LORD, my strength. (Psalms 18:1—NIV)

David loved the Lord and thought about God at all times. David prayed much and meditated continually in the Scriptures. David's life and possessions always were dedicated to the Lord and he lived in and by the Lord. David wore the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. God taught David's hands to war. David contemplated the Glory of God at all times and sang about it in his Psalms. He was quick to confess his sins when they were pointed out to him. It was David who wrote that we should not fret ourselves. David had set the Lord always before him, and so he was not moved.

I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalms 16:8—NIV)

To be continued.