Dear Praying Saints,

The world of nature seems to signal the times we are living in. The last couple of months have been much drier than usual, so much so that the colors of many trees began to change back in August, and other normally green plants had shriveling leaves well before their time. These changes that we're watching around us seem to be reflecting the many things going on in the world of men as well.

To name a few things floating around on the airwaves... France's newly appointed government all but collapsed with the resignation of it's prime minister; insecurity continues in the Pacific with China vs. Hong Kong, U.S trade relations, etc. Add to that the ongoing struggle between Russia and Ukraine; Venezuela's current regime is unsustainable; contortions of economic alliances; and on and on.

Perhaps the most significant in many ways is what is happening with the Israel-Hamas/Gaza conflict. The release of the remaining living hostages last Monday was a huge breakthrough, but the horror of what has followed is heart-breaking.

This scene from the "wailing wall" in old Jerusalem on Yom Kippur this year is particularly striking. in recent years attendance to High Holy Days has been on the increase. The adverse conditions have awakened many to the need for God's help to sustain their nation. But this time around has broken records — the highest numbers in decades, with some reports reaching the hundreds of thousands.

In our increasingly unstable world, the human longing for meaning and significance is coming more and more to the forefront. The continuing growth of revival among young people and old presents growing evidence that something transcendant is afoot as people turn as turning to Christ throughout the nations, including Muslem nations. This description in Daniel 7:14 of Jesus' arrival in heaven puts our eternity into proper focus. "And to Him [the son of man] was given dominion, honor, and a kingdom, so that all the peoples, nations, and populations of all languages might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed."

I recently watched a great interview with John Lennox, a retired Oxford professor of mathematics, philosopher of science and Christian apologist. It is titled, "Finishing Well", and I'd highly recommend investing 20 minutes of your time to watch it. I seen it two times and found a great encouragement and exhortation. You can watch it at this link.

In the words of the Apostle Paul from 2 Thessalonians 2:16, "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word."

Dick & Gladys