Matthew 24-25 The disciples ask Jesus about the future and He answers them in great detail. It is hard to summarize all that He teaches.  But, I want to think about and draw attention to some of these things....

As bad as things are in our country and in the world.. things will get worse:
False messiahs will deceive people more and more.
Wars will continue and escalate.
There will be more disasters - famines and earthquakes.
Christians will be persecuted, hated, and killed in "all nations". (even ours)
Lawlessness will increase.
Love for others will decrease.

The good news is that those who endure to the end will be saved. And the gospel will be preached in the "whole world". 

There will be another "abomination of desolation" in the "Holy place".
There will be a great tribulation for Israel that "has not occurred since the beginning of the world.. "
There will be more "false Christs". 
There will be many deceived.

But, when Christ does return, it will be undeniable.
The sun, moon, and stars will be darkened.
"The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky." 
The trumpet will sound and the believers will be gathered to the Lord.

Jesus says that we can look for the signs, but more importantly, we need to "be ready". 
Be ready by doing what He has called us to do.. to be faithful servants. 
Be ready by being wise and prepared. 
Be ready by doing well and being faithful stewards of all He has given us. 
Be ready by doing to the "least of these" what we would do for Christ Himself... feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, inviting in the stranger, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and the imprisoned. Doing what is right in the ways of Jesus. 

Father in heaven,  help us to be alert and to keep our eyes open for the signs of Christ's return. But, even more, we pray that You will help us to be faithful in serving You and serving others. Spirit of God fall fresh on us once again, that we will be strengthened by the power of Your might to live lives of humble obedience to our God.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.