End Times

14 "But be ready to run for it when you see the monster of desecration set up where it should never be. You who can read, make sure you understand what I'm talking about. If you're living in Judea at the time, run for the hills; 15 if you're working in the yard, don't go back to the house to get anything; 16 if you're out in the field, don't go back to get your coat. 17 Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard. 18 Hope and pray this won't happen in the middle of winter. 19 "These are going to be hard days - nothing like it from the time God made the world right up to the present. And there'll be nothing like it again. 20 If he let the days of trouble run their course, nobody would make it. But because of God's chosen people, those he personally chose, he has already intervened. 21 "If anyone tries to flag you down, calling out, 'Here's the Messiah!' or points, 'There he is!' don't fall for it. 22 Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. 23 So watch out. I've given you fair warning.

Mark 13:14-23 (The Message)



On the way home from work last evening, right in the middle of a traffic jam the bus for one of the presidential candidates came storming up through the middle of the traffic causing cars on both sides to pull off into the median and onto the side of the road. It was rather impressive, I must say, with at least 40 police cars, 20 in front and 20 in back, several of them unmarked and all of them with their lights active. After being awed by the display of power in being able to speed through one of the worst traffic jams that I have seen in awhile, I began to ponder today about the upcoming election and the importance of choosing the right candidate to receive the power to run our country. Jesus told us himself during His time on earth that there would be deception in the last days and to be on guard for false prophets and preachers with the wrong motives, etc. The encouraging thing in all of this is the fact that “God has already intervened!” God is in charge and through His Spirit He is working in and through the lives of those who believe and have put their faith in Him. So today, as the future of America is unsure and the leader for the next 4 years will be determined, don’t get so caught up in the election that you take your eyes off the One who really matters, Jesus Christ. Pray that God would stir the hearts of all who vote today in order that His will would be done in this election and that the candidate of His choosing would take office and lead this great country through the tough times that we are currently facing. God has already intervened, He is in control and His love can be seen in the lives of other believers all around you today! May God Bless America!