II Timothy 3 "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come."   

Are we there yet?  I think so... These are perilous times to live in.. times that are hard to bear.. times when our strength is small.  Paul says that people 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.. " ( v2-4)  We turn on the news.. or pick up a newspaper.. and there it is right before our eyes.. and it seems to be going from bad to worse., just like Paul said it would.. (v13) 

In light of the world that we live in and the darkness that surrounds us.. Paul's instructions to Timothy are all the more relevant to believers today. He says, "But you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings.. continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you learned them... you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;.." ( v10-11; 14-16)

The world refuses the truth. They deny the power of God. They reject the salvation made available to all through Christ Jesus. 

We, who are believers in Jesus, desire to "live godly" lives in Christ Jesus.. even though that leads to persecution.  We know God's power to deliver us from evil. We receive the Word that is able to make us wise.. that corrects us and trains us in righteousness.  We become equipped for the "good work" that God desires for us to do through the Scriptures that He has given us and by the Spirit of God who lives within us. 

Father, I pray that You will lead us through these days.. when there are so many obstacles and temptations that want our attention.. let Your Word fill our hearts and minds.  Help us to keep seeking You in every moment.. every day. Deliver us from the evil one and lead us in the paths of righteousness. Yours is the kingdom.. and we are Your children. Let Your will be done and Your name glorified in us we pray. Amen.