2 Timothy 3:1-5: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these.” (NASB)
Just a thought: Late last night, seemingly out of nowhere, I began to weep over the concern I had for persecuted Christians worldwide, mainly overseas, but not only overseas. I felt a real dread within for what’s coming upon this world.
Whether my weeping was for us just before God’s rapture, or those converted after, I’m not sure. All I know is, this feeling of dread within me goes very deep – indeed, the burden I feel within is very great. God, please forbid what I’m feeling within to be true. I so pray I’m wrong.
At first, I thought it was just me after spending so much time in both religious and Christian Internet forums the past four weeks. Truly, I witnessed 2 Timothy 3:1-5 come alive. Therefore, I decided not to mention my experience to anyone, but I changed my mind this morning when I opened my Email. Within was an Email prayer request for persecuted Christians. Believe me when I say this is not the normal prayer request that I receive through this particular channel. Coincidence? I think not!
Prayer: Father, Your Word warns us of a last days scenario which looks, even to the casual observer, like the world we live in today. Although, it’s written that no one knows the day or hour, it’s also written that day will not come upon Your children completely without warning, as it will to those who live in darkness. Father, grant us the humility to examine ourselves before that day so we are sure we are indeed born-again – grant Your children the strength they will need in times of persecution – grant Your children the strength they need so the flames of persecution will cause Your light to burn bright, i.e., bring glory to Your name despite our weaknesses. For as it is with You, we also wish for none to perish. Therefore, help us all to be Your light in these most troubling times. Amen and Amen!
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