Perilous Times

     We have an expression that goes, "If the shoe fits, wear it."  I would guess that the meaning is such that if what has been said applies to you, then accept it.   There have been many times in my life when the preaching in which I was sitting, seemed to be rather personal and I might feel singled out in the service.  There have also been times when I was the preacher, going through a book of the Bible, and yet people thought I was talking about them specifically.  Some have even thought about avoiding the service because they thought I was speaking about them.  The Bible, you see, is very personal.   Second Timothy 3:1 says, "2Ti 3:1  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."  
       It doesn't take too long for a person to realize that the conditions of the world match what is stated in this passage.  I have included only one verse, but you should read the passage completely in Second Timothy 3:1-5.  It will give you the complete list of conditions that are prevalent in the world today.  While it is true that you can probably find all of the conditions in every age, they seem to come to the forefront as the days go by.  I have mentioned that I, of course, send this devotion through Yahoo as it is still free, and they still allow me to send out an email to a large group of people at one time.  When I begin, I am forced to go through a couple of pages of news articles that would challenge the National Enquirer as to their truthfulness.  They are almost all sensational in that they provoke your interest.  I often refer to the super market tabloid that reported that they had fund a B-29 super fortress aircraft on the moon.  You are prompted to turn directly to that page.  If it were just sensational items, that would be one thing, but the reporting even of the local news channel brings to the forefront the actions of humanity in almost every community that fit the description given in Second Timothy three.  Paul began with this statement about the perilous times and then went on to describe what those conditions were.  As you read the list of nineteen characteristics, you can plainly see that they describe the conditions in which we live.  The negative side is unsettling to say the least.  As you look at the list, you should be able to determine what the opposite would be and strive to see that characteristic in your life.  We see that the number one trait listed is that people are lovers of themselves.  Then, the opposite would be to love others before you love yourself.  How often the Scripture mentions that we should look onto the things of others first.  The Scriptures telly us to put others first.  So, take the opposite of every trait and incorporate those traits into your own life.  Instead of being covetous, be content with what you have.  Then, just keep going through the list.  Praise God today that His Word guides into righteousness.