"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." .. Romans 1:18 .. Well, this amazing fiasco called the American Presidential election is finally over! .. Hallelujah! .. And as a result of the outcome, we are now witnessing certain segments of our populace struggling to accept its decision. .. Protests, some to the point of violence, are breaking out across the land. .... Of course, there  will be varying opinions concerning all this, most all coming from the human perspective, but the underlying cause is simply the uneasiness in the overall 'condition' of today's world. .. People of all walks are sensing an unraveling of what once was the generally accepted 'normal' way of life. .. But now they sense a cataclysmic shift coming upon the entire world. .. If we take just a quick glimpse of just what is taking place across the globe, it is easy to understand why people are feeling this way. .. Besides America's increasing civil distress, we've witnessed Europe reeling from a year of crises, several country's economies imploding resulting in civil chaos, wars & rumors of wars escalating at an ever-increasing pace, record-setting pestilences exploding by the hour .. I mean I could go on for hours  ... and there seems to be no sign of any of it  letting up! .... For years now, and especially since my becoming a totally committed follower of Jesus Christ, I have become more & more of a 'people observer' - much more 'tuned-in to what's going on around me.  Over the past several years, I've witnessed what I believe is a dramatic transformation as to how people are going about their everyday lives. .. Just a few years ago, people were still basically communicating with each other in the public square. .. They would acknowledge each other with nods & pleasantries .. men would hold the doors open for women .. things like that. .. But now, they seem to be so busy "running to & fro" that all things else seem non-existent. .. Except for their world, nothing else is relevant. .. Simply, people have completely removed themselves from anything & everything that seemingly does not apply to them. .. When contemplating all this, it is easy to see why people are reacting this way. .. What they are observing & sensing is scaring them to death! .. Many today are living in a state of constant fear because their once-perceived confidence in how life would play out has all but vanished. .. Hope has become a thing of the past. ... I wrote a song/poem a couple of years back that I think pretty much sizes up what & why people feel the way they do today. .. I will share it now ...... "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     Striking 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 it's not them - that casts the final blow     Searching for some reason - just beyond their reach     Some with understanding - that they just 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 portrays a very negative picture, but it is what I am 'seeing.' .. People seem to have a hopelessness about them that is becoming increasingly overwhelming. .. And if we look at it from a worldly perspective, it is easy to see why. ..  It seems that everything they are seeing is on a completely negative level. .. 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 & ask for it! .. Some of you who are reading or listening to this know exactly what this hope is .. Jesus Christ .. and I think it's time for us that DO know to work harder & harder than ever to share with as many as we can about our Savior. .. Time is short & we need to start now before it's 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 & tell everyone that yes, this world IS spinning out of control, and that it IS going to continue to get worse before it gets better, and that this is actually good news! .. Why? .. Because the Bible tells us that this is how it is going to be before He, the Lord, comes back & takes control of the mess we humans have made. .. Hallelujah! .. For once, we will have a true leader without flaw, & with infinite wisdom to make all things new & beautiful. .. Again, Hallelujah! .. I want to leave you with a couple of Bible verses that will give you hope in these final waning days of darkness ..... *"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." - Hebrews 13:6    *"Do not fear what they fear:  Do not be frightened." - 1 Peter 3:14    *"Do not fear, for I am with you." - Isaiah 41:10    *"Do not be afraid:  Just believe." - Mark 5:36 (Jesus' words) ..    *"He who stands firm to the end will be saved." - Matthew 24:13 And finally, John 14:27 says this,  "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 the 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 many popularity contests, but I do know this ... our rewards will come when we experience the glory that is promised in the soon-coming new world. ... Know that I am praying for each & every one of you, & God knows exactly who you are! ... Again, Hallelujah! Until next time, Red