I am so grateful to be a child of God, especially in these dreadful times. To my brothers and sisters in Christ: doesn't it sometimes make you want to run into the shadow of the Almighty? The unrest and upheaval in the Middle East has some gloating over revolutions of the people and sure democracy, but I do not believe this to be the case. Bible prophecy foretells 2 battles that may happen very soon - as outlined in Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38, 39. It is my belief that we're seeing the beginning of the alliances that will form to go against Israel. I view what's happening now in the M.E. with great interest. It's so exciting to be living in these times and to realize that we may very well be the generation that is alive when He returns to take His church home. The birth pains, as Jesus described it, are intensifying.

At the same time, my heart is heavy over those who do not now believe and who will have to go through the Tribulation. I am used to the scoffing; Jesus said this would happen too. It lightens my heart knowing that many will be saved during this time; but, the Bible says that many of the Tribulation saints will be executed for their faith.

We are so close to His return. It may be tonight, or it may be several years from now - but we are very close. For the born-again Christian, our redemption is drawing nigh.

I Thessalonians 4:16-18
For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with a voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.