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"Be very careful, then, how you livenot as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15-16).
It is all too evident that "the days are evil." This truth was tragically illustrated in the United States on September 11 as terrorists killed thousands of people and injured numerous others in the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. and in the plane crash in Pennsylvania. Americans, and friends worldwide, continue to grieve the devastating loss of life caused by this horrendous evil.
The evidence of evil abounds in other countries as well in various forms including terrorism, government corruption, persecution, oppression, war, violence and crime. In addition, numerous countries are ravaged by famines, diseases and natural disasters. The days are evil.
The natural inclination amidst such evil often takes the form of one of two extremes: revenge or retreat. The Word of God, however, encourages a different course of action. Christians are exhorted to stand firm in the day of evil (Eph. 6:13), to persevere and to look for opportunities to advance the Lords work. Along with Ephesians 5:15-16 quoted above, consider the encouragement in these verses:
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those who suffer according to Gods will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good" (1 Pet. 4:19).
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Heb. 10:35-36).
"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Heb. 12:3).
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people
" (Galatians 6:9-10).
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in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life
" (Phil. 2:15-16).
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pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored
And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into Gods love and Christs perseverance" (2 Thess. 3:1-5).
Brothers and sisters, the world is in desperate need of the good that we, as the Lords people, have to offer. This is a time for us to stand our ground and to press forward in sharing His message and His love. This is a time to fast and pray on behalf of nations, leaders, the Church and the lost. This is a time to humble ourselves and fervently petition the Lord to send conviction, salvation and revival throughout the world. This is a time to give our time, energy and resources in order to help meet the physical, emotional, financial and spiritual needs of others. As people search for hope, truth, meaning, love and peace, we need to do all that we can to help them discover what we are so blessed to already knowthe Lord is the answer! In Him alone is the salvation and the life that people so desperately need. May the Lord help us administer His grace in this crucial hour!
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