Thought-provoking perspectives

Exploring faith, navigating today's world

Issues Magazine (I Magazine) encourages
its readers to be of good courage as
mayhem breaks out throughout the
world. However, do not lose heart.
Scripture tells us the following, “…and ye
shall hear of wars and rumors of wars:
see that ye be not troubled: for all these
things must come to pass, but the end is
not yet. For nation shall rise against
nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
and there shall be famines, and
pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers
places. (Matthew 24:6-7 KJV)
Yes, as a fulfillment of the Scripture,
nations are rising against nations. That
was evident in the United States’
invasion of Venezuela. In January of this
year the United States launched strikes
in Caracas Venezuela, resulting in the
capture of the suspected drug king and
leader of the country, Nicolás Maduro
and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were
transported to the U.S. to face federal
charges of "narco-terrorism"
and drug trafficking. It was interesting to
note that, according to the news media,
the U.S. administration considered a
ground invasion of the country.
No matter the circumstances, be of
good courage! As recent as this year the
U.S. posture on Iran is characterized by,
“maximum pressure,” a strategy that
blends an aggressive military buildup
and crushing economic sanctions.
Following a period of heightened tension
and direct military strikes in 2025, the
current administration has maintained a
stance of strategic submission, aiming to
compel Iran to accept permanent
nuclear constraints and end its support
for regional proxies.
No matter the circumstances, be of
good courage! The world is sadly aware
of the ongoing war in the Ukraine.
According to a major report by the
Center for Strategic and International
Studies, combined military casualties
killed, wounded and missing are
approaching two million. Further, the
toll on the civilian casualties, while exact
numbers are difficult to verify, it is
estimated that close to sixteen
thousand have been killed. In another
facet, there have been forty thousand
injured persons. The displaced
individuals are over ten million. Yes, the
Word of God does not lie, war and
rumors are highlighted in the daily news
broadcasts.
One can find encouragement in the
following Scripture, “This know also,
that in the last days perilous times shall
come. For men shall be lovers of their
own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
unthankful, unholy, without natural
affection, trucebreakers, false accusers,
incontinent, fierce, despisers of those
that are good, traitors, heady, high
minded, overs of pleasures more than
lovers of God; having a form of
godliness but denying the power
thereof from such turn away.” (2
Timothy 3:1-5 KJV) Crime is rampant in
the wealthiest country of the world.
While murder is down as compared to
2025, it is still too high. For instance,
recent statistics shows that 24% of all
reported violent crimes in the US are
domestic in nature. It is well accepted
that the family is the fabric of society.
When the family cracks, the foundation
of society begins to deteriorate.
Be of good courage, do not allow the
present atrocities of this nation to
weight you down. “So,Christ was once
offered to bear the sins of many; and
unto them that look for him shall he
appear the second time without sin
unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28) As
Christians, there is the hope of Christ
second coming.

The recent unwarranted killings by the Immigration and Custom
Enforcement arm of the government have given many Christians the
deep desire for Jesus’ soon return. The videos of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good have had many screaming out, as in a prayer of Imprecation,
“O Lord, arise! O God, crush them! Don’t forget the poor or anyone else in
need. Why do you let the wicked get away with this contempt for God?
For they think that God will never call them to account. Lord, you see
what they are doing. You have noted each evil act. You know what trouble
and grief they have caused. Now punish them. O Lord, the poor man
trusts himself to you; you are known as the helper of the helpless. Break
the arms of these wicked men. Go after them until the last of them is
destroyed.” (Psalms 10:12-15 TLB) There is no doubt that some are praying
the same prayer today. There is an anger that germinates in the heart and
in an unguarded moment spills out in action.
Be of good courage! While the behavior of the present U.S. administration
can be disheartening to some, as Christian, it should not be surprising
because Scripture has given us the signs of Jesus’ soon coming. Do not
allow the devil to take away your joy. Allow the words of this song be your
constant prayer, “Order my steps in Your word dear Lord, lead me, guide
me everyday send Your anointing, Father I pray, order my steps in Your
word please, order my steps in Your word”