July Newsletter, 2024
I’ve never been in jail. If I had, I can’t imagine that I would be motivated to write a letter that was filled with encouragement and practical instruction on how to live in the midst of difficult times and people. But, Paul the Apostle pulls it off as he writes to his young friend, Timothy. In fact, he warns him with great details about what’s going to happen at the end of this age. As I read the letter it was as if current world and cultural events were being written in a parallel column.
Paul writes: “…realize this, that in the last days perilous (difficult) times will come. Men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these.” II Timothy 3:1-5
Currently, we are living in very dangerous days. Assassination attempts, wars and rumors of wars, nuclear armaments, unsecured borders, economic uncertainties, gender confusion, distribution and sales of illegal and deadly drugs, criticism of the nuclear family, moral and character failures, political and leadership confusion and unrelenting attacks on our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness: are now the daily news headlines.
Paul’s list is prophetic. We’re living in these days. We’re experiencing them. His predictions are true, just look around. But, there’s good news. In fact, there’s great news! God is still in control. He has not forsaken us, nor will He ever. The people of this world are still the object of His love and provision. His Word says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save it.” John 3:16-17
“Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful ….” John 14:27
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, and surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in our entire affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4
In times of trouble, God’s Word gives hope and comfort. Let me give you an example…
Brigadier General Robinson “Robbie” Risner was a fighter pilot in the USAF and a senior leader among U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. He tells that while imprisoned, they were not allowed to speak to other prisoners. But, they devised a plan of communication. While cleaning their latrine pots on a daily basis with a bristle brush they would scratch the metal using Morse code to send words of comfort and encouragement. What did they say? Football scores? Jokes? No, they signaled Bible verses to strengthen one another. God’s Word works, even conveyed via the bristles of a latrine brush!
War hero, Risner was an ace who flew 163 combat missions, was shot down twice and was credited with shooting down eight MIG-15s. At his death, Air Force Chief of Staff, General Mark Welsh III observed: “Robbie Risner was part of that legendary group who served in three wars, built an Air Force, and gave us an enduring example of courage and mission success. Today’s Airmen know we stand on the shoulders of giants. One of ‘em is 9 feet tall…and headed west in full afterburner.”
DO NOT LET YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED!
*****