In the maelstrom of moment-by-moment news, we could find ourselves immersed alongside the world that wonders, “What is happening?” I think of Luke 21:23 these days: “There will be great distress upon the land and men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world.” What is our role as His people during these moments? Without hesitation, it is Pivotal. Essential. Life-saving.

Today, as is my habit, I went into the living Word to be close to God. His Words left the page and lit my heart: “…It is an evil time. Seek good and not evil so that you may live; And thus may the Lord God of hosts be with you…. Hate evil, love good” (Amos 5:13-15). So simple but so impactful if practiced.

Now, how you live is important to everyone you know: family, neighbors, community, and church. As the evidence that His return is near roars across the world and floods global news feeds so quickly, people are stunned. But, for us who are watching, we “straighten up and look up” (Luke 21:28), as Jesus commanded us to do, because we know that our redemption draws near.

Woven throughout the Old Testament are multiple allusions to a woman’s pregnancy in reference to the times of God’s wrath; the same analogy Jesus uses in the New Testament to describe the signs before His return that will increase in size, duration, and frequency. Listen to Isaiah 13:6-8:

“Wail for the day of the Lord is near! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore, all hands fall limp. And every man’s heart will melt. They will be terrified. Pains and anguish will take hold of them. They will writhe like a woman in labor.” 

For us, who are “eagerly awaiting” (Phil. 3:20), there is a new weight for us to “lean in” as He is doing exactly what He said He would. While we wait, our witness as believers is imperative. Simply, we are instructed to hate what He hates and to love what He does. In this way, we ensure we are salt and light in the ever-decaying and darkening environs of our world.

In closing, as God visits the earth, people are awakening, and whatever means they employed to drown out or to numb are being eclipsed by too many big events. Today, as my time in the Bible ended, the Lord led me to Psalm 83:4, referring to the enemies of Israel:

“Come and let us wipe them out as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.”

Since October 7, 2023, this vitriol against Israel has been overwhelming. We feel powerless to help, except in one way that might surprise you. In His Word, God instructs us: “Let Jerusalem come to your mind” (Jeremiah 51:50). Let us pray for Israel and find hope, as we are mindful of God’s promised future in the Millennial Kingdom, where true peace and justice will one day reign.

We could all be caught up in too much news intake and begin to resemble a “deer in the headlights,” like so many around us. So let us remember our essential role as End-Time believers: Hate evil and love good. And, think of Israel.

Maranatha!

Correction: In my article last week, I provided a link to become an online missionary. That link was incorrect. Sorry for the mistake. The real link is:  https://globalmediaoutreach.com/volunteer/

Sitting on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem, Jesus foretold the signs that would signal His return and the end of the world (Matthew 24:3). Here on RR, we make much of famines, earthquakes, wars, apostasy, and false prophets, but I do not as often see articles about the increasing persecution of the church. Yet, more than any other of the eight signs Christ predicted in Matthew 24, this sign is more visible and more prominent than any of the others! Let’s honor the Lord by dedicating the next 7 minutes to consider the end-times sign of the oppression of Jesus’ bride.

Many pages of stories and statistics could be recorded here to document the tragically high levels of Christian persecution existing in the world today, but I will limit myself to these few snippets below.

Open Doors Intl. reports that, “More than 380 million Christians suffered high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith” in 2024! Thousands more were imprisoned, and 7,679 church properties were burned down or severely damaged. In Africa alone, 16.2 million Christians have been forced from their homes.” https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/

“Every day, an average of more than 12 Christians are killed for their faith. That’s one Christian every two hours … murdered because they follow Jesus.” https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/12-Christians-killed-for-their-faith-each-day/

Brothers, imagine that you are a newlywed who has to leave town for an extended period of time on business. Your wife is running low on food and funds, and her old boyfriend is threatening her with violence because she chose to marry you instead of him! In your absence, your friend steps in, supplies her with a loan and some much-needed groceries, and lends her his well-trained guard dog to stay with her until you return. You return to a well-fed wife and a peaceable home. How are you feeling right now about your friend?!

If it were me, I would be eternally grateful and buy him season tickets to the Cleveland Browns football team every season! Wait… that’s more like a punishment… okay, how about the Guardians?! Anyway, you get the point.

Illustrations only go so far, but if the wife in the story is the Bride of Christ, then we, as individuals, are the friend of the One who had to go on a long journey. What we do now for the welfare of Jesus’ needy bride will be rewarded lavishly by a thankful Bridegroom in heaven. Perhaps this would be a good time to hear from the grateful bride herself… Here are some quotes from our thankful brothers and sisters around the world whose needs have been provided for by their wealthier brothers and sisters in more prosperous circumstances.

> “The food has been a lifesaver – we are so grateful for your support,” said a pastor in Zimbabwe, one of more than 30,000 vulnerable Christians who received vital food assistance amid the ongoing drought and economic crisis.

> “My knowledge, spiritual life, and confidence are being enhanced day by day through my school,” says Samsoon, a hardworking Pakistani Christian student.

> One Iranian believer said, “God is changing Iran from within,” and at least one million Iranian Muslims have given their lives to Christ.

> As Pulmaya began to explore religion in Nepal beyond her Hindu witch doctor roots, she shares, “I felt joy in my heart when my grandson read the New Testament to me.” After over a year of listening to her grandson, Pulmaya finally mustered the courage to attend church herself. “The first day I went [to church], I felt like weeping a lot,” Pulmaya shared, her voice quivering with emotion. “I found what I’d been searching for when I heard the chorus and songs.”

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

As we all know, the law of Christ is love. And that is what IDOP Day is all about! IDOP Day began in 1996 with the ministry known as “Voice of the Martyrs.” It exists to bring the needs of the suffering, persecuted church to the attention of the prosperous church: that is, you and me! This year’s 30th commemoration will be held on 11/2/25. If you would like to bless the Lord’s suffering bride this year, I have provided a list of ministries that specialize in doing just that. The first two on the list will also send you out a DVD and other resources you can give to your pastor to promote this wonderful day to your congregation.

https://globalchristianrelief.org … https://www.persecution.com  … https://www.barnabasaid.org/us/ … https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/

In closing, I would like to quote Pastor Jim Cymbala. Jim was the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle when 911 changed our lives and our perspectives forever. Pastor Cymbala felt that 911 was a wake-up call for the church, so he said this: “We have all of eternity to celebrate our crowns…but only a few more short years in which to win them!”

Let’s use this IDOP Day to win some more crowns and, best of all, bless the heart of our precious Bridegroom, Jesus! Do you love Him? Love His Bride!

Asher Mandel

is53@att.net