My family and I have just returned from the Feast of Tabernacles where we learned the massive difference between the future world as it will be ruled by Jesus Christ and the present evil world ruled by Satan. Indeed, this is one of the reasons Jesus Christ will rule for 1000 years – the Millennium; to demonstrate the diametrically opposite ways of God and Satan. It will show for all time God is the true and authentic ruler of His creation, and His rule and His ways will bring conditions not experienced by man since Satan hijacked the loyalties of Adam and Eve in the Garden.

Since we have come home from the Feast we have discovered again we live in an ever-worsening world. This coming year doesn't bode well for the world and its inhabitants. We have seen some of the dangers arising just before and even during the Feast coming to bear on us. This world will throw at you terrible unexpected trials through the godless way of life initiated by the devil. Is there a defence for these worsening conditions for you and your loved ones?

How will you fare this coming year in the world today? You need Jesus Christ to be the ruler of our lives and for Him to be present with us. Contrary to what many may think and teach, Jesus Christ is not in the world, trying to save the world at this time. The next age of 1000 years of Jesus Christ's rule will have a culture of peace and rejoicing because God will be there. The prophecy of Jesus Christ's first coming, was foretold by calling the Messiah's name Immanuel meaning "God with us". So, too, when He comes again the Messiah will be with us, in person, and will make His presence know to all. When Jesus Christ is present on the earth things will change. "He will feed his flock like a shepherd, He will gather His lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young" (Isa 40:11). In the 1000 years – the Millennium - God will fulfil one of His long held dreams - having His own people and dwelling with them. That's why the 1000 years carries the picture of a time we have referred to in the past as the "Wonderful World Tomorrow."

If we have received God's calling, Jesus Christ needs to be in our lives, and dwelling with us. If there is any place in this world where He is now, it is with His people. When Jesus appeared to His disciples after his resurrection when they were in a closed room, He stood in the middle of them and His first statement to them was "Peace be unto you" (John 20:26). Jesus Christ is in the midst of His people now also. As we live in world rife with danger and temptation, we need to have Him fulfil His deepest desire - to dwell with us and be our God. Is that where Jesus Christ is?

The Laodiceans, being rich and increased with goods and having need of nothing, didn't feel they needed Christ to dwell with them. He stood without knocking to be let in to His own church, whom He purchased with His own blood. They didn't realize that the world in which they lived made them miserable, wretched, poor, blind and naked. The world actually deceived them into thinking they were rich and increased with goods.

The next age will reveal the difference. We are called now to know the difference. Laodicean blindness will lull us into a sense of false security, never realizing the 'hungry lion' can devour at will. All that doesn't matter if the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is your house guest. Jesus Christ is completely faithful to His promise stated in John 14:23 – "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and my Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him."

What a magnificent and comforting promise from our Lord and Saviour. We need Jesus Christ to dwell with us, our family and our church community ever minute of every day until His return. He will bring peace and blessings to us and, eventually, to all humanity.