Mark 13:3-8
As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be fulfilled?” Jesus began by telling them, “Be careful that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. “Whenever you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled. Such things must happen, but the end is not yet. In fact, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
Dear Lord Jesus,
These events You shared with those four have happened and are still occurring worldwide. Your words warned them and us that while the end is coming, these signs were only the beginning of the end times. It will not be secretive when the end comes, but all the world will know you are here.
All these things are warning signs for us to get prepared. So how do we prepare? It is by knowing, believing, and trusting in You. So please send the Holy Spirit to begin or strengthen the faith of Your believers so that we will hear Your Word and trust the love and mercy You have for us. Faith begins when we know our sins are forgiven; You suffered upon the cross and declared us no longer guilty for our sins. You took all our sins into Yourself on the cross and suffered in our place, so the gavel has been struck, we are declared not guilty, and salvation was accomplished.
By faith, may we hold on to You and Your word, along with the promise of salvation You have given to all who believe in You. Let this result in us sharing with others why we are preparing for Your second coming so that they, too, will trust in You to be prepared by faith and have eternal life. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Do not let yourself become distracted and drawn into things that are happening that you cannot control or change. Focus on your heart and know God’s love for you; hear His Word of salvation and promise for you. Then, pray to God, asking him to care for those things we cannot fix.