I have had this passage from Matthew in my heart since June, and I want to share it with you.
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14
This passage concerns me because I’ve noticed a lot of love growing cold. I see a lot of Christians loving other good Christian buddies, but I don’t see a lot of love for people who are more difficult to love–like people who irritate us, people who dress differently than us, people who have more or less possessions than us, people who have different opinions than us, etc.
I believe Americans are going to face much persecution in the last days, and I believe the last days might very well be in my lifetime. My prayer is that my love won’t grow cold and that I will stand firm to the end. What will prepare us for the last days? Staying in the Word, prayer, and walking in love.
What are your thoughts on the last days? What are you doing to prepare yourself and your children for tougher times ahead?