God is the God of All Comfort

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 1 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV

“One year. Words cannot express the ache l have felt everyday since losing Jr. While I find comfort in family and friends, nothing compares to the comfort I'm provided through God. I have grown so close to Him through Jr’s loss, and while I wish more than anything Jr. could physically still be here - I know his loss sparked, not only mine, but many others to seek Jesus. That is the light I find in the darkness.

I know I will see Jr again, but it'll be in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. How beautiful is that?

‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’ Revelation 21:4”

Those were the words Iyleena Zevallos posted on her Instagram account Sunday along with a photo of her sitting on the bench that honors the untimely passing of her 18-year-old brother, Rudy Zevallos, Jr., on October 5, 2024. It was indeed a day that changed a lot of people lives, including those of my husband and me who were some of the last people to see Rudy after he crossed the finish line of the Frog Hill Half Marathon and collapsed. Although first responders reached him quickly, he was pronounced dead later at the hospital, leaving a family and countless friends to mourn his passing.

But you can be sure Rudy’s passing wasn’t the end of his story or his influence. You see, the church where Rudy had been baptized months earlier was completely full the day of his funeral. Hundreds of people not only attended the memorial service, but countless people later gave their lives to Jesus because of the tragedy and Rudy's example of faith. His family even got baptized! And many of his young friends as well! Is that amazing or what?

But that’s the way our God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort works. In a way that cannot be explained but only felt, the Lord “comforts us in all our tribulation.” Did you get that ALL part? Every trial, every hardship, every experience that brings pain, deep sorrow, and a longing for relief is an opportunity for God to bring solace, peace, relief and consolation to those who are hurting, and is an opportunity to show them that He is real.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 NKJV

And He does this through his Presence and through the Promises of the Bible. Promises such as Revelation 21:4 that brought Lorraina and so many of Jr’s friends and family comfort. Knowing that Jr. was in a place where God dwells with His people, wipes the tears from their eyes, and where there is no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain replaced much of their sadness with joy.

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

Think about it… Lorraina and her family not only know where Junior is but they know they will see him again one day because they made the decision to follow Jesus!

And you can be sure their pain will not be wasted. They have shared (and continue to share) the comfort they themselves received, which has comforted many who are experiencing the same trouble. That’s the way God turns tragedies into testimonies. The “God of all comfort” makes Himself known in our deepest sorrows so that we can comfort others in the same way.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

So, if you’re going through a trial, tribulation, or tough time today, hang in there my friend. Allow God to comfort You through the pages of the Bible and through his Presence. Take a few moments to “be still” and know that He is God, the One who will be exalted among the nations and in the earth, and the One who comforts us in all our tribulation in a way that only the Good Father can.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are God and that your ways are much higher than ours. Lord, when we don’t understand they ‘why’s’ of the world, remind us that there has never been a time when You didn’t bring good from a tragedy. Help us to trust You during these times and to cling to You that our faith might be made stronger and that others would see it and be inspired to seek You and the comfort Yoi provide. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

The Storms Will Come to Everyone

“And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 ESV

“Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken
I've never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
'Cause He's never let me down
He's faithful through generations
So why would He fail now?
He won't
… No, He won't, no, He won't
No, He won't
He won't, He won't, He won't, He won't”

As I sang those words in church yesterday morning, I lifted my hands in praise as I fought back tears. While the band continued, my mind thought back on some of the trials of the last three weeks. My husband had a full knee replacement, my mother (who lives with us) had another heart attack, work was busier than usual with two separate weekend events that required long hours and lots of manual labor, and I was doing my best to hold it all together while still tending to my normal responsibilities, routine and activities. 

To top it off, my SI joint went out Thursday afternoon  and Friday’s trip to the chiropractor offered only temporary respite. To say I was relieved to wrap up the last event that began with a Friday night 5k and ended with a 10k and half marathon Saturday would be an understatement (although it was a glorious event!). By the time I got to church, I was tired, I was worn out, I was itching (apparently I had gotten poison ivy while marking the course and getting into the weeds on Thursday), and I was still in a lot of hip and back pain…. But I was so thankful that I had chosen to trust Jesus and press on. He had gotten me through… again. And I knew He would continue. What needed to be done, got done! Because it was by His strength and not by mine!! Can I get a “hallelujah?!!” God is so good!

“Rain came, wind blew
But my house was built on You
I'm safe with You
I'm gonna make it through (I feel somebody's faith rising)
Rain came, wind blew
But my house was built on You (this is the reason you made it, 'cause)
I'm safe with You
I'm gonna make it through (one more time, oh, rain came)
Rain came, wind blew
My house was built on You (this is the reason I'm standing)
I'm safe with You
I'm gonna make it through (I'm gonna make it)
Yeah, I'm gonna make it through ('cause I'm standing)
'Cause I'm standing strong on You (I'm gonna make it)
Yeah, I'm gonna make it through (my house is built on)
'Cause my house is built on You (one more time, y'all, sing)”

“Oh Lord,” I thought to myself as I continued to praise and sing. “I love you so much. Thank You for being my firm foundation. The rains came as they always do, especially when I’m serving You. The winds blew… hard. But my house was built on You, and so weathered and withstood the storm... Again. You have never failed me and I know You never will.”

"For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matthew 7:14

And, you know, regardless of what some 'teachers' say, faith in Jesus does NOT always result in prosperity, ease, and freedom from disease, pain, hardship, or harm. This is not only a false teaching but a blatant lie. Jesus Himself warned His followers that the path to life was a hard and difficult one entered only through a narrow gate. In fact, Jesus later described the difficulty that would face every human life, using the picture of a great storm, assuring all that the rain will fall, the floods will rise, and the wind will blow with a vengeance. 

Furthermore, Christ never promised that there would be no storms. What He did promise though, by using the analogy of building a house. is that those who trust in Him will survive those storms. This "house" is a person's spiritual strength, their beliefs, and the life they construct as a result of choosing to fully follow Jesus. Those who live by His teaching will be like a man who has built a house on a foundation of rock. Although the storms beat on the house, the house will survive it all because the foundation is sound. The house (that’s us) may look a little worse for the wear afterwards and might even require a few repairs or some repainting, but it will stand firm. 

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.’” Matthew 7:24-27

On the flip side, the same storms of life that beat up believers will come against those who do NOT trust in Christ and follow His teaching as well. But, because they have chosen (and it’s a choice—failure to choose is also choosing) to ignore the words of Christ, they are “like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” When the rains fall (not if) and the floods come—in the form of trials, hardships, and uncertainties—they have no foundation or strength to withstand the beating and will fall to the ground.

Trust me, I’ve seen it happen. Without a Savior and the promises of God to cling to when life gets hard, people can hang on for a while but will eventually fall apart and their marriages and relationships will fail. Many try clinging to false idols (money, drugs, works, belief systems, false religions, etc.) to weather the storm, but this  proves to be insanity in the end, as these man-made gods have no power to save only to numb.

So, if you have not placed your trust in Jesus, do it today my friend. It will be the best decision you will ever make. I made the decision decades ago, and have  had some amazing mountaintop expenses since then. But I’ve also walked through many valleys and encountered countless storms, floods and hurricane force winds. But God, who is my firm foundation held me fast until every one of them passed... every time, without exception. And He can do the same for you. 

Won’t you choose to trust Him today? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that without building our lives on You, the only solid foundation, we will have no strength to withstand life’s storms and will fall. Lord, as we see this world get shakier and shakier, help us to not only lean on You but to inspire others to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Be Known by God

“But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” 1 Corinthians 8:3 ESV

In a story published by BBC News yesterday, it was reported that "A man who died after crossing the line in a half marathon was an "absolute legend" who will be missed by everyone, his son has said.

Tony Knight, aged in his 70s, suffered a medical episode after completing the 13.1-mile (21km) Potters 'Arf Marathon in Stoke-on-Trent, on Sunday. He was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital from Fountain Square, Hanley, at about 13:30 BST but died a short time later, West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed.

Writing on Facebook, his son Matthew said his dad was known for his many years of running in Stoke-on-Trent and became known as "Tony the Tiger" during previous races when he donned a tiger suit. "He was an absolute legend and will be missed by everyone," he said."

“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.‘“ Luke 10:20 NKJV

And while being known and remembered as a legend might sound like a worthy pursuit in life, the most worthy pursuit a person could ever embark on is being “known by God,” something that happens when a person loves God and gives their life to Him.

You see, when you and I are “known by God,”(who is the most legendary One of all by the way) we are assured that our “names are written in heaven!” Is that amazing or what? Talk about achieving legendary status! Could there be any higher and more esteemed place for our names to be remembered than Heaven? The best part is... all God's people share in this joy! Isn't that mind-blowing? I mean, it's one thing to know God, the Creator of all things, but it's a whole other thing to be "known by God,” the Lord Almighty and the Maker of the universe.

“He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.” Psalm 147:4 NKJV

“But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows.” Luke 12:7 NASB

Think about that for a moment… The same God who counts the number of the stars and calls them ALL by name is the same God who has counted every hair on our heads. And this is the same God who “knows” all those who truly love Him. Wow, right? 

So, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, rejoice my friend! It means you not only have the blessing and honor of serving Him in this lifetime but will spend eternity with Him in the next life! And if you aren’t a follower, won’t you make the decision to give your life to Him today before it’s too late? It will be the BEST decision that you will ever make and willl ensure that you are "known by God." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that clearly tells us that ONLY those who follow You in this life will be known by You in the next life. Help us to spread this Message with the lost that they might be inspired to seek You before it’s too late and to gain the eternal legendary status that all those who are known by You have. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Don't Plan on Slowing Down

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

In an inspiring story titled “74-year-old runner completes 100th marathon,” published by WFMZ News yesterday, the writer said, "For most runners, finishing a marathon is the achievement of a lifetime. But one senior citizen achieved a larger milestone after finishing a marathon this weekend. Mike Oliver crossed the line in Iowa on Sunday morning, capping off a journey that's taken him across the country. The 74-year-old runner completed his 100th marathon. Oliver said the journey started decades ago when his mother encouraged him to keep running after his 10th race. He's been part of the local marathon ever since.

This year's finish line in downtown Moline capped off decades of races across the country, including a personal goal he reached just last year: completing marathons in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.  "Some of them were pretty intriguing and interesting, with nice scenic routes, for example - the one in Redding, California was very challenging because there were a lot of hills involved," Oliver said. Oliver is also now one of just 11 runners who have completed every Quad Cities Marathon in Iowa since the first race 28 years ago. The group calls itself the "Interstate Road Warriors" because the course crosses from Illinois into Iowa and back again. 

Oliver says that runners can expect him there next year as he doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon." 

And, you know, Mike is quite a role model if you ask me. At an age when most people are slowing down, or at least planning to slow down, he plans on moving forward. And he can do this because he has kept himself in prime shape for it. You see, for decades Mike has been running 26.2 mile races which means he has made exercise, eating right, and getting enough sleep a habit—because believe me, a person can run a marathon or two without establishing healthy habits but will never be able to continue doing it for decades. Which is why it pays dividends to treat your body well at all stages of life.

This is a principle that applies especially to believers since our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who resides in us, "whom we received from God." Because of that, we are not our own but belong to Christ, who paid a very high price for our salvation. For this reason, we are to honor God with our bodies—-something we do by treating our temples well, thereby keeping them serviceable for life.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

Think about it this way. Each and every one of us is called to be an ambassador of Christ. This is a lifetime position! And a position that, if we are to serve well, requires us to be our best at every stage of life. We have to be ready to go when God calls us to go which means we have to be physically, spiritually, and mentally ready at all times—something that requires intention.

In the same way an athlete trains to be prepared for a race, we must train to be prepared for the missions field. We must exercise our bodies and our minds, eat right, rest as needed, get ample sleep, and most importantly read the Word each and every day, with no plans of slowing down in our mission to serve the Lord! After all, as I said before, being an ambassador of Christ is a lifetime position!

So, remember that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit my friend. And just as you wouldn’t dream of letting the temple where you worship fall into disarray, don’t let it happen to your body either. Take care of the temple God gave you so that you can serve Him with your whole heart now and well into old age.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have no right to do with our bodies what we choose since they belong to You. Help us to understand the enormity of that truth that we might set ourselves apart from the world by the way we treat our bodies, carefully guarding what goes into our mouths, ears, and eyes and making the time to exercise our bodies and our minds through daily activity and Bible study. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Health is Wealth

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about wealth and how it relates to health and running. If this has you wondering how I’m going to tie all this together, let me ask you this question. Have you ever heard the proverb that “Health is Wealth?” Honestly I have but never gave it much thought until I read an article published by Runner’s World recently.

In the article titled, "I Thought a Driver Was Going to Heckle Me on My Run. I’m Still Thinking About What He Said,” the writer, Theo Kahler, relayed the story of an early morning run he was on with a friend when a driver passed by and yelled out “Health is Wealth!” At first Theo said he was confused since he normally hears “Run, Forrest, Run.” But when the driver repeated the proverb as he gave a thumbs up, Theo gave a thumbs up in return and was thankful for the encouragement.

It goes without saying that there are many health benefits of running. Check out these seven benefits of jogging regularly, and seven benefits of running every day which shows that you don't have to be fast, but you do have to be consistent. And believe me, this consistency will profit you in so many ways! Without further ado, let's dive into the meaning of this proverb and some of the ways we prosper when we have good health. 

"Health is wealth" means that good physical and mental health (something running helps provide) is a far more valuable and essential asset than financial wealth, as it enables one to enjoy life, pursue goals, and achieve overall well-being. Without good health, the satisfaction and enjoyment that money can bring are diminished, making health the true foundation for a fulfilling and prosperous life. See where I'm going with this? Health is our most valuable asset!!!

Here's a further breakdown of the meaning along with a few reasons why "Health is Wealth":

Health is an asset as I said before: Good health is considered a valuable resource, a form of capital that allows you to live life to its fullest. Think about that! If you've ever run a marathon, you know that it means to live life to the fullest! But accomplishing a goal such as this requires optimal mental and physical health. Think about it this way. Many people have the money to register for a 26.2 mile race but very few (and I mean very few) have the health to actually commit to the training and finish the race!

It enables other pursuits: When you are healthy, you have the energy, mental clarity, and strength to work, study, and care for others, which are often prerequisites for accumulating financial wealth. 

Money cannot buy health: While wealth can provide comfort and support well-being, it cannot restore lost health, emphasizing the irreplaceability of good physical and mental condition. Hence the reason it's important to maintain healthy habits (like running, eating well, and stress management) over a lifetime. 

Illness can quickly diminish wealth: In the form of missed work days, doctor copays, hospital bills, and pharmaceutical expenses, poor health can quickly wipe out a person's savings and keep them from building it back up. Long-term illness can be even more financially devastating.  

It leads to happiness: Health allows you to experience life's simple pleasures and provides a sense of fulfillment and happiness that money alone cannot guarantee. Think about the things you can see while hiking or running at the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Without good health, the vast "wealth" of nature would be inaccessible.

And there you have it friends, the proverb "Health is Wealth" encourages prioritizing your health so that you can live a long, vibrant, and joyful life. So take it to heart and remember that running is one of the greatest ways a person can improve their mental and physical health. After all, movement is medicine... both for preventing illness and treating it. So get out there and get in a run today. It's one of the best investments you can make in your health and your life. Happy Running!

God is the Source of True Happiness

“Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” Psalm 144:15 NKJV

In a story titled “She's set American records in the half and full marathon, and now Keira D'Amato is telling her story” published by Richmond News yesterday, the famous runner said "I've learned a lot, I've failed a lot, and I've laughed a lot. But I didn't come back to where I started."

As impressive as it has all been, D'Amato wasn't sure it was worthy of a book, finding the idea more than a little self-indulgent. But the more she was asked about her resurgence as a runner, the more the idea grew on her. "I felt like I had it in my bones to write a book but that I didn't have a story to tell," D'Amato explained. "People would tell me 'You need to write a book', and I would answer 'Well, I don't have an ending yet'."

And she may not for some time. She will train for the World Championships in both the half-marathon next year, and the full marathon in 2027. Putting in the work for those is far easier for her than finding the opening line for a book. "The first step in anything is the hardest," D'Amato admitted. "When I started running again, that first step was the hardest. The first word of the book was the hardest. But once I got going and figured out what I wanted to say, it flowed pretty naturally." Written with Runner's World contributor Evelyn Spence, D'Amato's book aims to inspire people to find whatever motivates them.

"I want people to find the courage to start," D'Amato said. "Find something that scares them but makes them happy. It doesn't have to be running, but something that makes them happy and feel fulfilled."

And, you know, the search for “something” that makes us feel happy and fulfilled isn’t a new one. It’s been the goal of nearly every human being since the beginning of time. And while there’s nothing innately wrong with searching for those things, you can be sure that obtainment of them in this life apart from Christ is only short-lived. 

You see, worldly happiness (the kind that comes from fame, relationships, possessions, comforts or accomplishments) is fleeting because it’s a transient emotion, much like joy, anger, or sadness, and not a permanent state of being. Worldly happiness is a product of its circumstances and a state of being that is reliant on outward factors that can change in an instant, thereby making it temporary. 

For example, gaining a world record might make a person happy, but what happens when that record is broken by someone else? And writing a great book might cause a person to feel fulfilled, but what happens when that book stops selling? Similarly, a person might find happiness in a spouse or significant other, but what happens when that person fails to meet their needs? Or wants to leave the relationship?  

See where I'm going with this? Godly happiness on the other hand is different. It’s the emotional state of wellbeing and contentment that comes from a relationship with the Lord who never changes. Which is the very reason the psalmist declared “Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!”

“Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle—My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me. Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?” Psalm 144:1-3

What is that state you might ask? As David indicated, it’s a state of peace, trust, faith, and contentment in the midst of trying times (even in battles and war) rather than in the absence of them. You see, the Lord was David’s rock, his lovingkindness, and his fortress. If that weren’t enough, David went on to describe God as his high tower, his deliverer, his shield, and the One in whom he could take refuge. This was something that never changed, unlike his circumstances, because God never changes!

Furthermore, David understood his lowly position and so found great joy in knowing that the Creator of the universe, Himself, was “mindful of him.” How could David not then declare “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!?” He understood that the Father had complete knowledge of him and would provide for all of his needs (and those of all believers)—including the need to feel safe, purposeful, protected, loved, cherished, and cared for.

So, knowing that lasting happiness and fulfillment can only come from a right relationship with the Lord, seek Him with your whole heart my friend. Then allow Him to guide you into your life’s purpose and fill you with constant and abundant joy both in the midst of peace and in the midst of unrest in the way that only He can.

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that reveals how great and majestic You are. Thank you also for the revelation of your deep love for mankind and the lovingkindness You show to those who put their trust in You. Help us to look to You, and only You, to fill our need for purpose, happiness, and fulfillment that we might avoid the pitfalls of chasing after the temporary pleasures of this world. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

The Bible Tells us to Expect It

“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’” Matthew 24:3 NKJV

One of the things I love most about my Sunday morning runs before church are the way they prepare my heart for worship. And although my husband and I wouldn’t be attending in person yesterday due to his very recent knee replacement, I awoke at my usual time to do Bible study and get out the door and back by the time online services began.

Sadly though, we were met with an onslaught of news stories covering the tragic shooting in Michigan the moment we went to log on. According to initial reports, a gunman (who was later killed by police) rammed a pickup truck through a church in central Michigan during service yesterday and opened fire, killing at least two people and injuring eight others before deliberately setting the church ablaze. It was said that hundreds of people were attending the service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a suburb of Flint, Michigan and that there might be more victims once first responders find the area where the fire was.

Now if this has you shaking your head, you’re not alone. There’s been a lot of violence directed towards houses of worship recently. And while a precise count is difficult due to varying definitions and reporting, numerous church shootings have occurred in the last few years, reflecting a broader rise in hostile incidents against churches. The Family Research Council, an evangelical nonprofit, reported that attacks on U.S. churches more than doubled from 2022 to 2023 and the number is continuing to rise.

"And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." Matthew 24:10-12

Sadly, this is not something that should surprise the discerning believer though, since Jesus gave us clear warnings about the end times and the signs of His return in Matthew 24. Of the many things Jesus told us was, that near the end of the age, “many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another... And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

2 Timothy 3:1-5

The Apostle Paul went on to say, that in the last days, perilous times and perilous men would come. "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power." That's quite an unsavory list of characteristics that mark the way people will be in the end times, isn't it? That time is now! It's no wonder then that Paul warned us to turn away from such people!

So, as you can see by the widespread brutality happening all over our world today, the love of many has certainly grown cold... so cold, in fact, that it's causing the hate of many to heat up to the point of unrestrained savagery. You can be sure though that, according to the Bible, the increase in violence is a predicted part of the end-times scenario and only the "beginning of sorrows." Which means that, as these wicked acts intended to harm and kill innocent people increase, particularly against Christians, it will get much worse before it ever gets better—and it will only get better when Christ physically returns to judge the world in righteousness.

"For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2

In light of that, refuse to live in fear my friend. Boldly preach the Message of the Gospel and compel all those who have not chosen to accept Jesus as their Savior to do it today before it's too late instead. After all, "now is the day of salvation" and "now" may be all a person has. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed and only those who call upon the Name of the Lord will be saved.

Heavenly Father, thank You for telling us what to expect before the time of your imminent return, that we might not be unaware as to why our world is spiraling into hatred, violence, and unbelief. Help us to not lose heart by what's happening around us Lord, but to work hard to spread the Truth of the Gospel to those who are perishing, that they might repent and be saved before it's too late. Fill us with purpose and strength Lord, knowing that Your return could happen at any time and we must be found busy. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!