Hidden Places

Amen. :-)

This passage comes to mind to me as I consider what we are seeing today:

And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
(Mat 24:10-13 ESV)

While I do not believe that we will see a great world-wide revival, I think we should always be striving for one.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1Ti 2:1-4 ESV)

I see two extremes today: those who think that we will bring about the millennial kingdom through our own efforts and a defeatist attitude that it is all going to go down so we should just hide out and let it go. I think the real answer is somewhere between. Remember that we may not, in fact, be facing the "End Times" at all but just yet another major shift of history much like the Fall of Rome or the Reformation/Renaissance.

The key is to follow the two chief commandments: love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Therefore, we should hope and pray that all people are drawn to and know God and Jesus Christ because we want the very best for them, because we love them. This includes Osama bin Laden (assuming he is still alive...), Barrack Obama, Bernanke, etc.

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
(Mat 5:44-47 ESV)

I love how J.R.R. Tolkien put it in "Lord of the Rings" when Frodo says that Gollum deserves death. Gandalf replies, "Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement."

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
(Jas 4:11-12 ESV)

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
(Rom 12:19 ESV)

But I digress....

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
(Php 4:19 KJV)

This is some really deep discussion

http://hiddenplaces.org/main/node/562

Don't know if you've found this thread or not yet but I'm going to toss a lil "brain buster" back atcha ;) That ought to keep you busy til me and Khomar can cook sumpin' up ;)