Are you READY Thursday, November 08, 2007

What does this day hold for you? You probably woke up this morning just like you did yesterday morning. Is this day any different than yesterday? It might be…

Brother Rosalio, the pastor of a Message church in Michapa, needed help clearing his land near Acapulco. The three young believers needed the work and volunteered to accompany him on the trip. They arrived at Brother Rosalio’s land just outside the city, and spent the next two days cutting firewood and clearing the hillside.

On the second day of work, the three young men, Ulises Mier (16), José Mier (20), and Beto Villareal (19), were cutting firewood. Ulises took his load to the truck and began filling the bed. Out of nowhere appeared four hooded men. His feet and hands were quickly bound by the attackers. They warned him to keep quiet, or he would be shot. We can only imagine the thoughts that went through Ulises’ mind as he helplessly lay at the feet of his attackers. “Who are these men? What do they want? Will they kill me? What about my brother and my friends? Will they kill them if I don’t warn them?” There is a time when each of us will face the seemingly unstoppable force of the enemy. This time was at hand for Ulises. Would he stay quiet and protect himself, or would he give his life so that others might be saved?

The gallant young man shouted the warning to his brothers! The assailants then shot Ulises. Beto quickly came to the aid of his brother in Christ and courageously battled the four hooded men. Multiple shots rang out as Beto fought to save his friend. José and Brother Rosalio soon joined in the fight. The cowardly attackers fled after they shot their last bullet and had no more ammunition.

After the battle, the brave young soldier that shouted the warning lay dead. Within a few minutes, Beto also went to be with the Lord. Brother Rosalio and Brother José were wounded, but are now recovering.

These young brothers are an example. Each of us fights a battle every day. Our enemy may not have a gun or a knife, but his weapons are just as lethal. As you walk through the mall or drive through town, the enemy is raining his bullets down upon you. The music is emanating from the stores. The images on the billboards are attacking your soul. Will you lay there at his mercy, or will you shout out in warning like Ulises did? Will you fight like Beto, or will you cower to your attacker? How do we prepare for this battle? We should stay in the Word. As Paul in the Bible said, "Pray without ceasing."

If this is your last day on earth, how will you live your life? Start each morning in prayer. End each day in prayer. Read your Bible every day. Listen to Brother Branham every day. This is your armor. This is your sword. This is the only way to battle against the enemy.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Ephesians Chapter 6

Brothers Ulises and Beto were in the prime of their lives when they rose from their beds on that morning. They were in good health, and had no worries. How many of us are in the same situation as these two young men? How many of us woke up this morning the same way they woke up on that fateful day? It was no different than any other morning, other than it was the last day they would spend on this earth.

What does tomorrow hold for you? Are you ready?