But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately. Luke 21:9 (NKJV)

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6 (NKJV)

But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. Mark 13:7 (NKJV)

The news reports are coming in about a war in eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine.  Innocent people are being caught like chess pawns in the middle of a Risk game.  Photos of husbands hugging wives good-bye as they send them to safety grace our newspapers.  Forlorn children ride the train to who-knows-where.  Our hearts ache at these images and we ask the Lord to help these dear ones.  But do we really know the reason for the fighting?  I don’t think so. 

Wisdom is better than weapons of war;
But one sinner destroys much good. Ecclesiastes 9:18

Do you remember how Job and his friends argued for over 30 chapters about why all this evil had come upon Job?  They did not know about the meeting God and satan had in heaven and how God gave satan permission to harm Job, knowing Job would come through the fires of trial as gold.  Recall how Daniel prayed earnestly for the nation of Israel, yet help was delayed in the heavens and the angel Michael had to assist the angel Gabriel so he could come to Daniel (Daniel 10:13). There are battles going on in the heavens of which we know not, yet some of those battles seem to come to earth for us to see.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

So, how can we best discern these recent world events? We can’t trust the news services that two years ago magnified the covid virus beyond what it was, and one year ago falsely promoted the benefits of the “vaccine” to the demise of thousands.  Only God knows the truth.  While we’re waiting for the truth to come out, what can we do?  We can pray!  We can open our hearts to help. We can love our neighbors. We can search God’s Word.  Why did people battle in Bible times? What was the response of God’s children in those battles?  What does Jesus say about wars in the end times?  He says, “Do not be terrified, see that you are not troubled, do not be troubled, fear not!”   

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

…Your word is truth.  John 17:17 (NKJV)

In one Old Testament battle, David and his men were fighting the Philistines when they stopped at the cave of Adullam to rest. While there, David lamented, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate.  So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord (2 Samuel 23:15-16).

This is what we need today — mighty men and women to break through with prayer to the throne room of God, Remember, God loves this world so much that He sent His only Son Jesus to die for our sins.  Hold onto the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus has already torn the curtain for us (Luke 23:45), so we can enter the Holy of Holies to meet with our Lord. Pour out your heart to Him there and bring back Living Water for the thirsty souls here on earth.  

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Read Psalms 2 and 133.  Keep praying , dear ladies! Remember, Jesus wins the final battle in Revelation.  Truth triumphs over evil.  Our God reigns!

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

O Jesus, O Father, I break through boldly into Your throne room, for You have torn the curtain for me. I draw Your Living Water from Your Word, the Well. But unlike David, I drink it and want more and more, and pour my heart out to You in prayer.  Now, refreshed, I boldly ask you to break through the chaos in our world today.  There are wars and rumors of wars. There are viruses and rumors of viruses. There are deaths and rumors of deaths.  There are famines and rumors of famines.  Of Jesus, stop the rumors, end the wars, heal the viruses, halt the deaths, pour out Your Living Water on the famine so that we may bear fruit for You again. Show us ways we can help. And most of all, save lost souls for Your Heavenly Kingdom.  Use all this turmoil and tribulation to turn hearts to You. Open eyes, open hearts, open ears.  Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon this land.  Send a revival, the likes of which have never been seen before.  Do this amazing break-through in the Name of Jesus Christ, and the Blood He shed on the cross.  We claim Your victory over death and the devil — for our nation and world, for the children of Israel, for the innocent citizens of Ukraine, Russia, and surrounding countries, for folks suffering health issues around the world.  We claim Your victory in the mighty Name of Yehovah God, the Great I AM, Creator of the Universe. Hallelujah! Amen! 

P.S. Please add to your prayers these next 2 weeks a certain young man on a mission trip to Eswatini, Africa!  

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!   John 1:29 (NKJV)

...but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  John 1:17 (NKJV)

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  John 3:17 (NKJV)

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  John 14:27 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NKJV)

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today… Exodus 14:13 (NKJV)

You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”  2 Chronicles 20:17 (NKJV)

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV)

He shall judge between the nations,
And rebuke many people;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore.  Isaiah 2:4 (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982