It is amazing how the recent events resemble the 2,500 year old bible prophecies made by Ezekiel in chapters 38-39. It Goes From, “Life As Normal” to “And So It Begins” overnight. Ezekiel foresaw the rise of Russia in a coalition with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries (Sudan, Ethiopia and Libya). Today, we are living in a world where there are wars and potential wars going on at different fronts. Russia against Ukraine. China is at odds with many. Iran and Syria are not happy with Israel. As the world becomes more and more evil, more broken, more wicked, I believe that we are closer to the return of the Lord Jesus than ever before. Many are preparing for pending cyber attacks, food shortages, possible electrical grid failure, high energy prices, and troubles that only some movies that depict a dystopian future could imagine. It is almost as if we are all living in a motion picture and just watching without being able to do anything about it. I pray often about what is written in *Matthew 24:6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.* Living for God is full of risks, and the results of what we do for God may not change the world, but it may change the people in the world around us for eternity. I believe that God is faithful to fulfill His plan whether we like it or not. As we cross this threshold, we must  pray and support those we can and prepare for what is coming as seen written in *Matthew 24:9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.* One of the truths that keeps me enduring is that earth always seems to be preparing for war while heaven is preparing for a wedding and a banquet. Genuine and faithful believers are expecting the return of the Lord Jesus at any moment. Charles Spurgeon said, “We are not called to proclaim philosophy and metaphysics, but the simple gospel. Man’s fall, his need of a new birth, forgiveness through atonement, and salvation as the result of faith, these are our battle-ax and weapons of war.” My BeLoved, we go to battle with the armor we have, not the armor we want. I want to encourage all who read these words, Stand Strong, and I also ask Who Will Stand Boldly With Me in the Battle? In Christ Love, douglas.

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