It’s been an intense year since my last post, and yet it seems at times to have flown by!

Seemingly, there have been constant changes in our personal life since the beginning of 2019, and gathering storm clouds within our nation as well. From the presidential race and political rhetoric, to the Covid 19 threat and everything that fits in between—many experiencing fear, chaos and confusion. Added to that there has been contention, division, offence, derision, accusations, bickering, and hostility have been running the streets of our land! Civility and citizenship seemed disappear in those same streets. The results seem to range anywhere from hyper-vigilance to pure apathy.

Our country is suffering and struggling to make sense of that which is senseless; more people than we realize struggle with the fall out of the last three years. Children have been hit hard; taken out of their normal daily routines by the pandemic, education in many cases lagging behind, and some still not back in schools even now. Many businesses and most churches closed for at least a time. Economic impact on many has been extreme and people are divided. Few if any Americans have escaped without lose of loved ones.

These things weigh heavy on our hearts and our minds. They touch us emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. That doesn’t include weight of polarized leadership and the politically charged barrage of other bad news: Afghanistan withdrawal, Ukraine invasion by Russia; increased suicides, violence and drug related deaths; racism; abortion rights vs. right of innocent babies to live. Now, added to that the murder of innocent children and teachers by school shooters twice within a week.

It Is TOO Much for our minds and hearts to handle!

I honestly think it would be impossible to move forward in the environment of the last few years without my faith and belief in God, prayer, and the Word of God to encourage me and be my moral compass. However, the same issues are the very reason some cite as the reason they question the existence of God and move from belief in Him. Since the fall in the garden, the deception of the first man and woman; evil has been in this world and growing. Is it possible that it has been gaining strength and momentum? Why are believers deconstructing?

Reconstructing? Turning to Progressive churches? Changing religion all together or turning their backs on all religion? Are these things new or are they age old ideas repackaged for a new generation? Was it ever really about a religion or is it about an individual and personal relationship with God, Jesus?

Should we expect anything different. Are these not similar to some of the Biblical prophesies for the end days? Is it nearly as harsh or devastating as the days described in Jesus’ Revelation to John? Should we be looking up? (Luke 21:25-28)

Is this a time of shaking as mentioned in Hebrews 12?

“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Hebrews 12:25-28 NKJV

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For 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, reacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, Avoid such men as these. For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:1-7 NASB1995

“Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.” Proverbs 21:2 NASB1995

“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 NASB1995

These are the some questions I’ve asked myself during this past year along with many others; searching to make sense of some of the things that I feel or that people have shared with me. I thought I’d share a few of the sources that I have found interesting or helpful along the way just in case you or a loved one is struggling. Of course, the Bible is the best go to. As always, it is wise to weigh what you hear and read against the Word of God in other to determine it’s truthfulness and helpfulness.

Grace and peace to you!!