"But mark this, there will be terrible times in the last days." .. 2 Timothy 3:1 .. "On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.  Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world ..." .. Luke 21:25-26 .. When you look at today's headlines across the globe, these Bible verses appear to be totally accurate. .. Here's just a few examples to confirm this .... "The Great Unraveling of Society" .. "It is a Time of Social Division & Hatred" .. "The World is Entering a Time of Disorientation" .. "A World in Turmoil" .. "The World's Nations Entering a Time of Great Despair" .. "International Political Upheaval" .. "World Economies Facing Impending Implosion" .. stories talking about many new signs in "the sun, moon and stars," diseases, plagues, famine & drought, increasing civil chaos, Christian persecution & martyrdom ... it's constant! .. I could take up another 10 paragraphs of this stuff, but let's get to it ....... Unless your an ostrich with your head in the ground, (I think it's an Ostrich), there is no question the world appears to be on course for further cataclysmic events. .. Every category of biblical prophecy seems to be exploding all around us. .. And as a result, people are become more & more afraid with each passing day. .. In fact, many are 'scared to death!' .. For those of us Christians who are 'paying attention' .. we who are 'tuned in .. believe that we are living in the final moments of the Church Age .. the final moments before Christ's return for His Church. .. The mounting crises, the signs of 'great shaking' .. all signs are evident, even to secular newscasters who are coming right out & saying that "we can't keep up with all that is taking place all around us." .. And, according to Bible prophecy, all this worldwide upheaval will only continue to escalate as we draw ever closer to that climatic moment in time. ..... So what are we to do? .. Are we completely helpless concerning this devastating reality? .. Is there nothing we can do to ease the fear & trepidation of these coming days? .. Even for the followers of Jesus Christ, will our faith be able to withstand what is coming? Simply put, I believe the most important issue for each of us in these times is to seek what the Bible calls 'enduring faith.' .. Jesus Christ Himself told us this .. ".. he who stands firm to the end will be saved.".. (Matthew 24:13) .. When Christ spoke this, He had just described the frightful trials that were to come upon His disciples in these times - false messiahs - wars & rumors - nation pitted against nation - upheavals in the natural world - earthquakes & pestilences - persecution & martyrdom (see Matthew 24:4-12) - a world where the "love of many will grow cold" ...... Along the way, I've had many fellow brothers & sisters tell me of their worry & fear for their families, for the country, & for themselves as well. .. And who can blame them in these crazy times! .. With this in mind, the question of the hour that has to be in the forefront of all our thinking is this ... do you at present have an abiding faith & trust in the Lord that will hold you & carry you through this increasing mayhem & chaos that IS coming upon the world? .. or .. will you waiver in these times of affliction, as the fearful things Jesus told us of continue to appear on the earth? .. When that hour comes to pass, will your love of the Lord endure? .. Or will it grow cold, as Jesus predicted would happen to so many? .. I ask these questions not to judge or condemn anyone concerning his or her walk with Christ. .. I ask them only because these are the questions Jesus Himself put to all who would choose to follow Him. The following are just a few verses I have chosen to share with you. .. I strongly suggest you read them .. even memorize them. .. As the times grow worse with each passing day, they just may be the one thing that will sustain you in dark moments. ... *Isaiah 35:4 .. "Say to those with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, do not fear;  your God will come with vengeance;  with divine retribution he will come to save you." *Isaiah 41:10 .. "So 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." .. *Psalm 46:1-2 .. "God is our refuge and strength, and 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 ..." .. Remember this .. we may see danger on all sides, including a devil and his principalities who want to drown our faith in doubts. .. But we also have a fiery guard of angels surrounding us! .. And we have a God who promises to carry us through any disaster we face. .. (see Ephesians 6:10-18) .. I ask you this .. do you want to face the coming storms with quiet confidence & peace of mind? .. Then die today to all your own ways and means of protecting yourself. .. Commit the keeping of your life wholly to God's loving care. .. He IS your good & loving shepherd .. and He is faithful to see you through it all! .. Hallelujah! .. I leave you with this ... Jesus said this when teaching His disciples .."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." .. (John 14:27 - emphasis mine) .. That is His promise to each & every one of us who put our trust in Him. .. No matter how difficult it may become before He comes for us, we know that we NEVER have to fear! .. He is always there for us. .. Hallelujah! ...... Until next time, Red