Times Call for Renewed Effort

The times in which we live can be quite troubling as we see what is going on in the world and in our very country. Our economy has been declining for the last number of years, we have been supporting our military personnel as they have fought several battles to keep us free from terrorism and those who want to do us harm, there has been an attack on the institution of marriage, on the sanctity of human life, and on our religious liberty. I am sure there are other things that I am forgetting here, but these seem to be the highlights and we are concerned. These are items that we need to bring to prayer everyday, that God will change the minds and hearts of those who want to destroy our culture and society. I think of this as I read the caption from Paul's letter to Timothy, "All who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." When we say "YES" to being disciples of Jesus, we pick up our cross and follow in the footsteps of the Lord and we never know what those crosses will entail, but Paul gives us this assurance, "But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (II Tim. 3:10-17). In the midst of persecution, ridicule, humiliation, we are to remain strong and faithful because the Lord assures us that he is with us until the end of the age. Most importantly, our Lord is walking right beside us. Do not give up, Do not be afraid! The call is there to open wide the doors to Christ. This is what we need to do as we ask God to bless us in our present day and bless our renewed efforts! God Bless You!!!