Focus

Take a few minutes to push the “pause” button on whatever is going on around you and be still with God.

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Read

Matthew 24:11-14 (NRSV)

And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come.

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Reflect

It seems that these comments of Jesus are universal. The words of false prophets have always seemed scary. They include just enough truth to make it challenging to discern that their message is false. Clearly it does not take long to recognize that lawlessness seems to be on the rise. We see it on the news, on the highways, and in our communities. There are indeed times when love does seem to have grown cold. I can’t speak for others, but I felt love growing cold as I saw the vitriol on social media during the recent elections.

But we must remember that our God is all about love! That is why we have the good news of the gospel to share. God’s love displayed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus points to the kingdom of God, which is our only hope in the face of lawlessness and false prophets. Jesus said that those who endure to the end will be saved. So often it seems that life is an endurance test. We may have times of successes or failures, but those who cling to the hope of the gospel will find that these distractions cannot overcome the power of God’s love. That is indeed good news to be celebrated!

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Pray

Loving God, help us to endure the struggles of this life and to be instruments of your light and love in our world, where both seem to be in short supply. Use us to share your gospel, so that others might come to hear your testimony to the nations. In the name of Jesus, the Christ, we pray. Amen.

Go with God.