"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days." - 2 Timothy 3:1 ... " ... Nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26) Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world ... " - Luke 21:25-26 ... Are you seeing what I am seeing? .. Do you sense that everything seems to be unraveling around us? .. I've been a people-watcher most of my life, and even more so now as I've grown older, and in just the past few years I've witnessed what I believe to be a dramatic transformation in how people are going about their lives. .. Just a few years ago, most people would at least acknowledge the fact that other people existed around them .. men would hold doors open for the ladies .. children were actually talking to their parents .... but now? ... They seem to be so busy 'running to & fro' that all else is irrelevant. ..... I had my suspicions about this collective aloofness, but I needed to verify it .. and sure enough, my instincts were correct. ... After talking with many folks, both friends & strangers, and of all ages, the overwhelming majority said that everything seemed to be spinning out of control ... and by not paying attention would hopefully make it all go away .. that everything would return to normal. ... When I asked what they felt 'normal' was, most all said 'like it used to be.' ..... Next time you are out and about, just stop long enough to watch people. .. I think you will be amazed by how removed most all are these days. .... What I believe I see is an overriding fear in people's eyes ... most everyone, if you ask them, will tell you that they think 'something is coming,' and feel helpless in doing anything about it. ... So the solution? .. Ignore it, and it will all go away!   I would like to share a song/poem I wrote about this overwhelming apathy that is so prevalent in our world today ... Here it is ...... -- Rumors -- "I look into their eyes - see a trace of fear ... They're sensing something strange - something happening near ... The battle drums are beating - rhythms of the age ... The story is unfolding - on the very next page ... "East vs. West - southern skies on fire ... Stalking one another - with a haunting desire ... Emperors are raging - spewing words of hate ... The few of them deciding - all the rest of our fate ... "Mothers streaming tears - sending sons to die ... Hastened by the fact - that no one seems to try ... Fathers shaking fists - to a deafening roar ... Shouting their appeal - to a closing door ... "Children of this time - tossing to & fro ... Hoping its not them - that casts the final blow ... Searching for some reason - just beyond their reach ... Some with understanding - that they can't teach ... "Johnny get your gun - we're going off to war ... I don't know what is left - for us anymore ..." I know this is a bit negative, but this IS what I am seeing! ... People seem to have a hopelessness about them that is becoming increasingly overwhelming! ... And why shouldn't they ... Everything they are seeing in the news outlets are shouting it! .... These are just a few of the secular headlines in just the past few weeks ... "The Great Unraveling" - "A Time of Hatred & Fear" - "A Time of Social Despair" - "A World in Turmoil" - "World Economies Disintegrating" - "International Political Upheaval" - 'Civil Chaos Just Around the Corner" ..... and on & on & on .... Why wouldn't people feel this way after the daily onslaught of this scary and negative stuff! ... Now here's the real tragedy. ... There is an answer to all this fear & trepidation within their grasp. .. All they have to do is reach out and ask for it! ..... Many of you reading this know exactly what this hope is ... Jesus Christ ... and I think it's time for us that do know to work harder and harder than ever to tell as many as we can about our Savior - before it is too late ... Today I want to issue a challenge to each of you ... Starting with myself, I am going to pray that we who share this conviction will get going and tell everyone that yes, this world is spinning out of control - and that it is going to get much worse before it gets better - which is good news! ... Why do I say this? .. No, I haven't lost my mind! ... I'm simply trusting in what the Bible says about how it all will be just before the triumphant return of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ! ... Hallelujah! ... Let me leave you with just a few scriptures to help you 'arm yourself' for this coming battle with good & evil .... Nothing, and I mean nothing, can overcome the power of God! ... If you use His words, the battle is already won! ... Hallelujah! ... *Psalm 46:1-2 ... "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2) Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." *Isaiah 35:4 ... "Say to those with fearful hearts, be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you." *Isaiah 41:10 ... "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." *Matthew 24:13 ... " .. He who stands firm to the end will be saved." *John 14:27 ... "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." I love that last line in John's verse .... 'DO NOT BE AFRAID.' ... It's that simple! .... Finally, I pray that many of you will share in this conviction with me. ... And yes. I know we will not win very many popularity contests, but I do know this ... our rewards will come when we experience the glory that is promised in the coming new world! ... Hallelujah! ..... I am praying for each of you, and God knows exactly who you are! .. I pray also that you would pray for me. ... We are much stronger as a family and nothing can, or will, overcome us from our task ........ Until next time, Red