So many people throughout history have proclaimed that the end is near, because of certain events that will happen. Wars and rumors of wars.  But Jesus tells us to expect such things and to not be deceived.  Watch out that you are not deceived.

We should heed this warning in light of the current things we are seeing.  In particular Jesus talks about wars and revolutions...is that not what we are seeing now?  But He says...these things must happen first, BUT the end will not come yet.

Luke 21:7-8

7“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

8He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

Are we getting closer?  You better believe we are...but the calamities we are seeing now are not on a global scale yet.  The calamities that will befall the American people will be because of their own refusal to believe that anything bad can happen here in America.

Even in the midst of clear signs of economic doom and failure the people continue to put their heads in the sand.  Hoping that things will change...having been raised on the surety of a generation who has seen no major conflict in their home country...no threat to their very existence as a country.

America's downfall will be that it's citizens were not prepared for difficult times because the majority of Americans have never seen hard times.  Heretofore this generation considers difficult times to be when their cable internet goes out...or they miss the big game because it was not carried on their satellite channel...

I am disgusted by the American culture who now feels that the American way is threatened when gas prices go up...and they will not be able to take their summer vacation this year.

It used to be that Americans worked hard and had a devotion to God.  Persevering in difficult times.  We saw a glimmer of the American spirit when 9/11 happened...and the people pulled together to support each other.  It died away quickly.

I spoke with a dear Christian brother today...who gave me sound advice.  We were discussing the fellowship of suffering in Christ.

He told me I should pull back and really get in touch with the Lord as I am feeling quite disenchanted with the way "church" things are going in my own personal walk.  I shared with him that I have done this...and God told my family and I to sit down...rest...take a break from ministry.

When I do this, I told him, I begin to see that His Word tells us we will suffer for the name of Christ...yet in America...there is no suffering to speak of...and we are not prepared for the times that are coming.  I begin to see in God's Word the return of Jesus Christ and that we will be here for great suffering and persecution because we hold fast to His name.

This is what he shared.  That every day when we make a decision to not turn towards ungodliness, and we crucify our flesh in submission to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, we are engaged in the fellowship of suffering with Christ.

This is a good way of looking at running the race and fighting the good fight in our walk with the Lord.  And I see this as an encouragement in pursuing holiness.

But also, as a literalistic believer, I know beyond a doubt that Christ is preparing those of us who walk with Him for the times that are coming and Americans, including myself...have a long way to go.

It is like a quest to which we have each individually been called to fulfill our destiny.  We must walk the course which God has put before us, forsaking everything that draws our attention away.  Focusing on the quest.  Which is preaching the salvation of Christ, making disciples and seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Along the way God gives us encouragement beyond bounds through His living breathing Word.  He will speak to His people through dreams and visions.  And sons, daughters, men and women will prophecy.  This is being fulfilled now.

Joel 2:28-32  and Acts 2:17-21

17“‘In the last days, God says,

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your young men will see visions,

your old men will dream dreams.

18Even on my servants, both men and women,

I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

and they will prophesy.

19I will show wonders in the heaven above

and signs on the earth below,

blood and fire and billows of smoke.

20The sun will be turned to darkness

and the moon to blood

before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

21And everyone who calls

on the name of the Lord will be saved.’^c

These are exciting times in which to live, but they will be challenging times as well.  It is high time we awake from sleep. Romans 13:10-14

10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.^c

God Bless you as you seek and find Christ.

The Strong Watchman